Maxine 'Max' Nova Pyke of 61 Artillery Lane, Baldwinsville passed away Monday, June 23, 2008 at her residence at the age of 75. Maxine was born May 2, 1933 in Morrilton, Arkansas to Bessie Annie (Payne) and Joseph Spence. Max's mother's family were of the Choctaw tribe. At the age of eight she moved to California where she graduated from high school and later married. Max's husband and dear friend Steve D. Pyke have been together over 34 years. She worked as a cook for over 20 years in Baldwinsville area restaurants among them, King Coles, Country Cottage and Long Horn. After retiring, Max tended to her rose gardens, enjoyed finding treasures at auctions and was famous for her bountiful spreads at family gatherings.

She is survived by her husband, Steve D. Pyke, his son, Steven (Kim) Pyke and grandchildren Nathan & Alexis of Clay, and her children with her former husband James (Claire) Connors of Baldwinsville. Her children include Arthur (Deborah) Connors of Baldwinsville & their children Arthur and Sarah; James (Sigrid) Connors Jr. of Groton & their children James III (Juli) and great-grand children Payton and Nathan Connors & David of Baldwinsville; Joan (Dave) Arnold of Yamhill, Oregon & children, Christy Palmer, Tim and Ena Palmer and their children, Noah Alexander and Jacob Matthew, Jim Palmer and great grand children Hayley and Justin; Roxanne Rosenau and great-grand child River; and Thomas (Genevieve) of Willimantic, Connecticut & grand children Jamie and great-grand child Hayden & Jake. Her parents and siblings Bill, John and Mae predecease her.

Calling hours will be 4-7pm Thursday, June 26, 2008. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00am Friday, June 27, 2008 both at the Falardeau Funeral Home, 93 Downer St., Baldwinsville.

Flowers or donation to a charity of one's choice may be made in her name.