Jean Pike

Jean Krasnisky Coughlin Pike, a registered nurse, businesswoman, and longtime resident of Narragansett, Rhode Island, passed away on October 8, 2026, at the age of 90.

Born on October 22, 1935, in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, Jean was the daughter of Teofilia "Tillie" Kweder Krasnisky Ziegler and Joseph Krasnisky. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson University School of Nursing in Philadelphia with the class of 1956. She was married to the late John Joseph Coughlin, MD, and later to the late Ralph Pike, MD.

Independent and resourceful, Jean believed in taking initiative and teaching her children to do the same. She operated a bed and breakfast at her home on Cliff Terrace in Newport and apartments at Stone Tower Court in Middletown during the bicentennial and beyond. An accomplished do-it-yourselfer, she valued self-sufficiency and encouraged women to pursue leadership roles.

Jean was active in civic life in Providence, Rhode Island. She ran for City Council in Ward 5 and, in 1974, became the first woman to run for mayor of Providence, campaigning as an independent. She served as president of the Mount Pleasant Parents Association and was a past president of the Veridames of Providence College. She also worked on smoking cessation programs through the Rhode Island medical auxiliary and served as a Girl Scout leader at St. Augustine's Church.

Proud of her Lithuanian heritage, Jean chaired the Lithuanian committee of the Rhode Island Heritage Commission in 1976. Jean also lived in Sun City West, Arizona, for more than twenty years. She served as president of the Lithuanian Club in Sun City, Arizona, helping others learn about Lithuania's history and culture.

An avid traveler, she visited almost every continent and especially enjoyed cruises with her friend Elaine well into her eighties. She enjoyed painting, sewing, gardening, collecting, and theatre. She taught a painting class at Capitol Ridge, served on garden club committees in Virginia, performed at the Portsmouth Little Theatre, and belonged to the Rolls-Royce Club.

Jean was the mother of the late Det. John Joseph Coughlin Jr. (Monica Cayer Coughlin), Cynthia Coughlin Hanna, MD (George Hanna Jr., MD), Janet Coughlin Rose (Raymond Rose), and Sharon Coughlin Castellano (Michael Castellano). Her brothers were the late Algird Krasnisky (Linda) and the late Vincent Krasnisky (Ripple).

Her grandchildren were Cassandra Rose England (Justin), Nicholas Rose, Carolyn Hanna, Joseph Hanna (Darly), George Hanna III, MD (Molly), Peter Hanna, Ryan Castellano, and the late Michael Castellano. Her great-grandchildren were Connor, Graham, George IV, Owen, Luca, and Gianna.

Jean will be remembered for her determination, her curiosity about the world, and the independence and resourcefulness she passed on to her family.

Services are private. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Hospice Foundation of America. WWW.HOSPICEFOUNDATION.ORG/DONATE/