MELVA HOPE PILGRIM (GRAHAM)

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MELVA HOPE PILGRIM (nee GRAHAM) It is with great sadness the family announces the peaceful passing of Hope Pilgrim on March 23, 2018 in Surrey, BC. Hope was predeceased by her parents, Mel and Mabel Graham. She leaves to mourn her passing her husband Ray; sons, Mel (Sherry) and Scott; granddaughter Vanessa (Kevin), and great-granddaughter Leah. Hope was born in Binscarth, Manitoba on February 10, 1935 and at age four, moved to Neepawa, Manitoba where she attended school (primary grades) and Sunday school. At age nine years, she moved to Transcona, Manitoba, where her Dad established a successful retail hardware business, and she attended Central School. Hope was a member of Transcona United Church, where she sang in the junior choir and taught Sunday school. She was also a graduate of the first group of the Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT), and held an executive position of group president. She loved music, and for several years had the privilege to be a member of the Vera Barclay choir, very well known at the time for its many award-winning performances, and as the pianist for the Junior Rebeccah Lodge, she was selected (at age 16) to be a delegate to the United Nations Pilgrimage for Youth in New York. At age 16, the family moved to St. James-Assiniboia where she attended Grade 12 at St. James Collegiate, then moved along to Teachers College, and taught at Britannia and Golden Gate schools. In 1957, she married Ray Pilgrim, whose position as an air traffic controller in Vancouver took them for a time to that province. Wishing to be with their family and friends, they returned to St. James and raised two boys, Mel and Scott. Hope is very well known as the founder of the Pilgrim Project, a non-profit social service helping people whose lives were made brighter with the addition of clothing, household items, and special remembrance at Christmas. Hope always felt happiest when she could help someone along the way, whether it be doing something for them or caring for them. Among her treasured memorabilia from her 25 years of service are several awards, including being named "Lady of the Year" twice. In 1986, Ray and Hope moved back to British Columbia, and took up residence in Surrey. After much travelling, Hope was asked to assist at Helen's Tours and Travel, where she enjoyed helping to plan vacations. For several years, she and Ray enjoyed and contributed to the many varied activities offered at Newton Seniors Centre. Cremation has taken place, and at Hope's request, there will be no service. Ashes will be interred at the family plot in Neepawa, Manitoba at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 14, 2018