Sigrid H. Pilgrim

March 10, 1944 - December 21, 2022

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A Memorial Service will be held on a future date.

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In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to:

The Nature Conservancy

Attn: Treasury

4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100

Arlington, VA 22203.

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Sigrid Pilgrim, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, passed away on December 21, 2022, at the age of 78, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Born in Munich, Germany, to Dr. Michael and Hildegard Schneider, she grew up with brother, Eugen. She met and married her husband of 56 years, Alan, in Munich, then traveled across the seas where they began a new life together in Evanston, in 1966. Together Sigrid and Alan had two children, Kevin and Karen, married respectively to Jane and Jon. Sigrid was caring aunt to Jonathan, Carol, Angie and Steffi, and proud, devoted Grandma to Samantha, Maris, Michaela, and Ethan, providing endless support for their individual endeavors.

Professionally, Sigrid worked for years as an international marketing consultant. On her own time, she was a staunch defender of democracy who involved herself deeply in volunteer work with various community and paddling-related organizations.

Sigrid was an avid outdoorswoman, who loved paddle sport, hiking, camping, and gardening. She was a defender of nature, protector of butterflies and wilderness spaces. Working with many local individuals and organizations, she established both a pollinator garden and wildflower meadow in her local Lovelace Park. She was also a music lover, enjoying equally genres from jazz to classical, and musicals to opera.

Sigrid has left a legacy of kindness, self-less generosity, hard-work, and dedication to her local community of Evanston, and of immeasurable, unconditional love and support to her family.

Sigrid will be deeply missed by all those who loved and knew her.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to, The Nature Conservancy, Attn: Treasury, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203.

Sigrid Pilgrim, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, passed away on December 21, 2022, at the age of 78, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Born in Munich, Germany, to Dr. Michael and Hildegard Schneider, she grew up with brother, Eugen. She met and married her husband of 56 years, Alan, in Munich, thenContinue Reading

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Sigrid was a staple of Dempster boating beach in Evanston. She was an accomplished kayaker and represented well the paddling constituency at Dempster. Many of the boating safety rules and procedures now in effect were the result of Sigrid's recommendations and tenacity. She was instrumental in the founding of the Evanston Sail & Paddle Association as the representative of boaters at Dempster.Sigrid was brave and continued her endeavors to assure good communication among boaters, especially with safety issues, even while battling cancer. Her presence at Dempster Beach will be missed. We and other members of the ESPA extend our sincere condolences to Alan and other members of Sigrid's family.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Sigrid Pilgrim . Plant a Tree

Sigrid was my best friend -- more like a sister than a friend. Our kids were the same age and we shared many a holiday and eventful gatherings together. To say I miss her deeply is so very true. I still catch myself saying " I have to call Sigrid and tell her... " But that is no longer possible. The holidays will be a bit lonely without her and her great cooking, but I know seeing her family and reminiscing will help me get through them. She sure had a zest for life and I will miss her laugh and great curiosity for life. She was THE BEST!

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I am so sorry to hear this news. I worked with Sigrid for many years as she was one of our customers. Although we never met in person, she was always enjoyable to talk to and felt more like a friend than a customer. I hope her family is able to find peace in their memories of this very kind, special soul. Susan

A donation was made in Sig's honor to the Nature Conservancy.

I have never met someone who was more full of life. Sigrid will be dearly missed. All my love to her family. May she forever rest in peace and in our hearts.

Sigrid was a wonderful, spirited, intelligent woman and a back row figure in my Jazzercise class for years. My condolences to you all.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Sigrid Pilgrim . Plant a Tree

Dear Alan and Family,It was a joy to know Sigrid and to Jazzercise with her for many years. I send my condolences to all of you and hope your treasured memories will bring you peace.Sincerely, Marilyn Davis

When I first met Sigrid through the Illinois Paddling Council, I quickly learned her wealth of information about and advocacy for paddling. Sigrid joined our efforts to develop the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail and current attempt to become designated by the National Park Service into their National Water Trails System. Even through her health struggles the past several months, Sigrid continued to work with and for our team. I admire her grace and tenacity through her illness. On behalf of the Fabulous Fox! Water Trail please accept our sympathy and gratitude. May your memories of Sigrid provide comfort through your grief.

Sigrid was a wonderful friend at the Wilmette Community Garden. Our spontaneous encounters there were always fun. She was passionate about everything—travel, butterflies, herbs, flowers, cooking and Life. Her red currant jelly was par excellence. Sigrid’s personality was as large as her giving heart. I will miss seeing her, yet know I will feel her everywhere in Nature—a monarch floating on the breeze, the hum of the bees, a nodding sunflower, a bird’s song… Love and sincere condolences to Alan and his family. Love & Light to you dear Sigrid in Spirit.

Sigrid was such a gentle, yet strong woman, who made everyone feel special. It felt comfortable to be with her, whether we were sitting on the back deck enjoying the lake or digging in the garden. I miss you, friend.

I just learned the news of Sigrid’s passing and I offer my condolences to the family.Although we have lost touch over the years I have such fond memories of Sigrid. In my formative years, Sigrid was like a second mother to me. She would even sometimes mix me and Karen up since we spent so much time together (The Pilgrims lived next door to us in Evanston for several years). She loved telling the story of me leaving to go home one day and as I’m going out the door she said something to the effect of “Karen, where do you think you’re going?” and I turned around and said whimpering, “but Mrs Pilgrim you told me to go home”. Then she would burst out laughing as this story was an example of how Karen and I were inseparable.She had so much energy and gusto that I honestly thought she would live forever. She was always kayaking or out in nature or expressing her opinion about something. It was never quiet at the Pilgrim's dinner table-I loved it!And there were amazing snacks at the house! My mom bought generic brands that back in the 80s had packages in black and white writing with the words “Cola” or “Toasted Oats” which were a total embarrassment when friends came over. Sigrid always had name brand foods like Ritz crackers and interesting German delights. I think the first time I ever had gummy bears (the authentic ones from Munich!) was at their apartment.Sigrid will always hold a special place in my heart for having a parental role in helping to raise me. She treated me like a daughter.Rest In Peace, Sigrid. And I send lots of love to the familyLove, Anne

Sigrid was a good person and will be missed, especially in the paddlilng commuity

To my darling wife, I love you.

A memorial tree was planted in memory of Sigrid Pilgrim . Plant a Tree

Sigrid was kind and generous with her time. She selflessly gave of herself to make the world a better place. The world was better for Sigrid and I am glad our paths crossed many times. Love to her family.

I am so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. I still have fond memories of hanging out on Pioneer St. and laughing with your mom. She was always so kind and feisty at the same time:) I’m thinking about you during this difficult time. Diane

Sigrid was a great advocate for the paddling community and will be missed. I enjoyed working with her and admired her as person.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.