Obituary for Shirley Pilgrim (Philip)
In fond remembrance of Shirley Pilgrim, an extraordinary woman born on December 12, 1942, in the culturally and religiously diverse nation of Trinidad & Tobago (T&T). Shirley entered the world in Morvant, a lively community east of Port of Spain and west of Barataria, with a midwife assisting in her birth. She was the second of six children to Victor and Sybil Philips, with two siblings sadly passing away at birth.
From a young age, Shirley assumed a crucial role in her family, serving as her mother's right hand and caring for her siblings like a second mother. Displaying innate leadership qualities, she maintained order while offering guidance. Shirley's creative talents shone in various domestic tasks, including cooking, gardening, washing, and decorating rooms with flair. Her expertise in interior design made her the go-to person for her entire family.
Shirley attended Morvant EC Anglican School and later Osmond High School in Port of Spain, where she earned a typing certification. During her senior year, she crossed paths with Hugh Pilgrim, a debonair police officer, and the two were soon married. Their union blessed them with three daughters – Cherry Ann, Karen, and Camille – joining their older brother, Muhammad.
Life in Trinidad was a vibrant mix of diverse cuisines and lively music, drawing influences from African, Indian, Chinese, and Syrian cultures. Shirley's deep love for dancing and participating in masquerade (Mas) at the annual Carnival celebration reflected the joyous spirit of the island.
Perhaps it was this exposure to global influences that fueled Shirley's desire for a better life beyond Trinidad's shores. In 1963, she ventured to Montreal, Canada, enduring the freezing cold and icy terrain. She later brought her two young daughters, Cherry Ann and Karen, to join her. The family embraced their new home, even relishing activities like ice skating and snowmobiling through the streets. After several years in Canada, Shirley welcomed her last child, Camille. In 1971, she embarked on a new chapter in New York City with her mother and siblings.
For 19 years, Shirley called the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York, home. She excelled in the Auto Claims Department at St Paul Insurance Company before retiring in 1994. Throughout her time in Brooklyn, Shirley remained devoted to her faith and was an active member of Francis Divine Church, led by Dr. Bulah O’Connor.
As family dynamics shifted, Shirley felt the need to relocate to Buffalo, New York, with her eldest daughter, Cherry, and family. There, she acquired her first home and became
a member of First Shiloh Baptist Church, under the guidance of Pastor Leslie David Braxton. Shirley contributed her time as an usher and participated in hearts and flowers and pastor's aide ministries.
Following a life-altering stroke, Shirley moved to Upper Marlboro, Maryland, in 2009. She found solace and community at East Friendship Baptist Church. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Sybil Philip, her husband Hugh Pilgrim, her brothers Andrew and Vernon Philip, and her niece Nadine Braithwaite. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories, survived by her son Muhammad Tariq Pilgrim (Jamilah), daughters Cherry Maxwell (Melvin), Karen Chandler, and Camille Williams (Marvin), grandchildren Najma Pilgrim-Hampton, Maurice Maxwell (Nicole), Mikaela Maxwell (fiancé Shaun) , Mariah Kamau (Nkenge), Jada Chandler, Victoria Williams, Nicholas Williams, and great-grandchildren Tevin Pilgrim-Hampton, Tamara Pilgrim-Hampton, Madisyn Maxwell and Judah William. Sisters Kathleen Phillip, Ann Serrette, and Eula Bell, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and her running partner in the early days, Carol Lewis.
From a young age, Shirley assumed a crucial role in her family, serving as her mother's right hand and caring for her siblings like a second mother. Displaying innate leadership qualities, she maintained order while offering guidance. Shirley's creative talents shone in various domestic tasks, including cooking, gardening, washing, and decorating rooms with flair. Her expertise in interior design made her the go-to person for her entire family.
Shirley attended Morvant EC Anglican School and later Osmond High School in Port of Spain, where she earned a typing certification. During her senior year, she crossed paths with Hugh Pilgrim, a debonair police officer, and the two were soon married. Their union blessed them with three daughters – Cherry Ann, Karen, and Camille – joining their older brother, Muhammad.
Life in Trinidad was a vibrant mix of diverse cuisines and lively music, drawing influences from African, Indian, Chinese, and Syrian cultures. Shirley's deep love for dancing and participating in masquerade (Mas) at the annual Carnival celebration reflected the joyous spirit of the island.
Perhaps it was this exposure to global influences that fueled Shirley's desire for a better life beyond Trinidad's shores. In 1963, she ventured to Montreal, Canada, enduring the freezing cold and icy terrain. She later brought her two young daughters, Cherry Ann and Karen, to join her. The family embraced their new home, even relishing activities like ice skating and snowmobiling through the streets. After several years in Canada, Shirley welcomed her last child, Camille. In 1971, she embarked on a new chapter in New York City with her mother and siblings.
For 19 years, Shirley called the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York, home. She excelled in the Auto Claims Department at St Paul Insurance Company before retiring in 1994. Throughout her time in Brooklyn, Shirley remained devoted to her faith and was an active member of Francis Divine Church, led by Dr. Bulah O’Connor.
As family dynamics shifted, Shirley felt the need to relocate to Buffalo, New York, with her eldest daughter, Cherry, and family. There, she acquired her first home and became
a member of First Shiloh Baptist Church, under the guidance of Pastor Leslie David Braxton. Shirley contributed her time as an usher and participated in hearts and flowers and pastor's aide ministries.
Following a life-altering stroke, Shirley moved to Upper Marlboro, Maryland, in 2009. She found solace and community at East Friendship Baptist Church. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Victor and Sybil Philip, her husband Hugh Pilgrim, her brothers Andrew and Vernon Philip, and her niece Nadine Braithwaite. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories, survived by her son Muhammad Tariq Pilgrim (Jamilah), daughters Cherry Maxwell (Melvin), Karen Chandler, and Camille Williams (Marvin), grandchildren Najma Pilgrim-Hampton, Maurice Maxwell (Nicole), Mikaela Maxwell (fiancé Shaun) , Mariah Kamau (Nkenge), Jada Chandler, Victoria Williams, Nicholas Williams, and great-grandchildren Tevin Pilgrim-Hampton, Tamara Pilgrim-Hampton, Madisyn Maxwell and Judah William. Sisters Kathleen Phillip, Ann Serrette, and Eula Bell, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and her running partner in the early days, Carol Lewis.