A woman who played nan for the people of Mile Cross has been remembered as someone who loved her family and worked hard until the age of 86.
Following heart issues over the last few months, Thelma Pilgrim is being remembered by her family and colleagues as a loving and passionate woman, being hailed as the "Queen of Mile Cross".
Her daughter Sharon Ballinger, 51, said: “She was an amazing mother, I know everyone says that, but she really was a cut above the rest.
“She was the sort of person who would give someone the last coin in her purse if they needed it.
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“I think you would have trouble finding someone who is half as sincere and kind as she was. She was a perfect mother and nanny, and we were so lucky.”
Thelma was known as the "Queen of Mile Cross" following Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations where Mile Cross Primary School nominated her to experience being queen for a day.
Sharon continued: “She absolutely loved that, she was given a posh seat, a sash and a crown and she felt so special.
“That’s how she got her title, and now everyone just refers to her as the Queen of Mile Cross.
“It’s fitting because the area gets a bad reputation, but mum loved it, and I love living here too, there are very few places in Norwich that have the strong community we have here, she was proud to be queen of it.”
Thelma worked in her local school, now known as Mile Cross Primary, for 30 years after starting as a dinner lady.
Sharon said: “She loved being a dinner lady and later took on more duties, helping supervise disabled children one-to-one at lunchtime, reading and playground duties – all the kids would call her nan and she loved it.”
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Thelma started to slow down in the last few months and had a pacemaker fitted but still continued to see daughter Sharon every day as well as keep a check on her five children, 18 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.
Sharon said: “She loved having a big family, especially at this time of year – she would make sure to listen to every child about what they got for Christmas.”
Sharon and her family will be joining together this year to drink a glass of whiskey in memory of the matriarch of their family.
Sharon said: “She used to have a teaspoon of whiskey every day, she said that’s what kept her going so it’s the best way I can think to toast to my amazing mum.”
A Mile Cross Primary School spokeswoman said: “Thelma was an amazing lady, she worked for the school for over 30 years as a midday supervisor in all weathers come rain or shine.
“We can't remember Thelma ever having time off until awful Covid forced her to not come into work due to her age.
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“We still employed Thelma until she was 86 years old.
“Thelma became our Queen for the day over the Jubilee celebrations as we felt she was the most appropriate person to take on this role for the day. She has been greatly missed since she retired in May 2022 by all staff and pupils.
“We have a bench on the playground of past staff who have made an impact on the children of Mile Cross Primary School and we will be adding a plaque to the bench in remembrance of Thelma so she is never forgotten.”
Thelma died peacefully aged 88 on November 18. Her funeral will take place on December 20 with close family and friends.
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