Rose Pilgrim Obituary

I am so sorry to hear of Rose's passing. She was lovely and a great friend to my mother, MaryAnn. They had so many years of friendship. I am truly so sorry for your loss. Nancy Owen (Brubaker)

Dear Pilgrim family, I just heard of Mrs. Pilgrims passing. My deepest sympathy to you all. My mother thought the world of her, and enjoyed their many conversations in the middle of the road! Thinking of you all, Donna Kempton

Rose Pilgrim

I first met Cheryl when I was in the 6th grade - we were about 11 or 12 years old - too many years have passed to be exact. So, of course, this was when I first met Cheryl´s parents - Rose and Bill. Well, back then, to me they were "Mr. and Mrs. Pilgrim."

The first thing I remember noticing about Rose and Bill was how their energies matched. At only about 12 years old, I didn´t know about energies or the love and affection between a husband and a wife. But as a little kid, I did know how to recognize and feel when an interaction was genuine. And there was a genuine connection between Rose and Bill - which easily flowed outward toward others.

Let me first mention - Mr. Pilgrim. I recall that there was a playful, mischievous twinkle in Bill´s eyes when he smiled. And when he was talking with me, I felt his full attention.

And Mrs. Pilgrim, well here is a little nod to a poker game... Rose "called Bill´s twinkle and raised him a bright sustained smile." Even as a little kid, I somehow knew Rose´s smile was genuine. When Rose smiled, her whole face lite up, her eyes crinkled, and her sightline was directed straight at me. Right then, I knew Rose Pilgrim was someone to be trusted.

Over my lifetime, Rose made herself available to me through numerous life events - from heartaches to celebrations. Over the last several recent years, I was fortunate enough to share many evenings with Rose. She was good company, quick to laugh, quick to share long-forgotten stories, and very quick to dole out good old-fashioned, common sense life advice - whether I asked for it or not.

Evenings with Rose usually started out sharing a little wine, cheese and crackers - hers a rosé, mine a white. This always followed with a home-cooked meal that Rose insisted on preparing and serving. Occasionally we would order Chinese take-out. And I remember the first time I did the "pick-up." Rose was appalled. And she let me know in no uncertain terms because there was enough food to feed an Army. From that point forward, Rose would call in the order - one dinner meal for us to split. And of course, she was right. Even after "splitting" there was always plenty left over which Rose would promptly pack up for me to take home. Whether home-cooked or take-out, Rose never let me leave her home with empty arms - and a promise to call her once I got home so she knew I was safe.

And Rose had a way of inviting me to share details of my life that I ordinarily wouldn´t have shared. These were "the serious conversations" that would take place at her kitchen table. Rose asked the hard questions, the type of questions that required me to halt a moment and really consider what was at stake. And even during the most poignant revealing shares, the entire time Rose had that smile on her face and the glint in her eye. And yet, she still expected serious full-on answers to her questions. Rose wasn´t about to let a life lesson be lost.

I will remember Rose for her generosity to others, her determination to maintain self-reliance, and how much she valued her independence. Even in her elder years, especially in her elder years, Rose was quick to "show up" and face all that life brought her way. She buried her husband, Bill. And many, many years later, she also buried her companion, John. Even in the face of profound grief, Rose lived life with resilience and purpose - and love and affection for her family and for others who were fortunate to share her good company.

I will also remember Rose for the way she knew how to "be present." She had a way of about her that made me feel I was the only person in the world - in the moment - when talking with her. Rose Pilgrim just knew how to give another "undivided attention" and this occurred every-single-time.

Thank you for letting me share with you how grateful I am to Rose and how much I appreciated that she took me under her wings and so generously shared her time and attention, opinions and guidance, solid life advice and, of course, her good company served up with a homemade meal! I love you Rose.

I had the pleasure of spending time with Rose at her granddaughter's wedding last April. At the age of 90, she got on a plane and flew to Italy to be with her family during this joyous occasion. I could not get over her strength and her vitality - a trip like that was not for the fainthearted. She was an inspiration to anyone trying to live life to the fullest to the very end. I am keeping the family in my thoughts and my prayers.

My deepest sympathy to all of Rose´s Family .I have many fond memories of sitting around her kitchen table sharing stories and receiving lifelong advice .
I was so glad that I was able to attend her 90th Birthday celebration .She was in her element ....especially when she was dancing with her grandchildren!

I had the pleasure of sitting with Rose last at her Grandaughter´s baby shower last August. She was always very kind to me over the years. I remember Rose being very focused on her love for family. Sending prayers of support and sympathy to the whole family and may she rest in peace.