105-year-old Helene Young was more than just Peace Pilgrim’s sister

Helene Young, center, enjoyed the eighth annual Potluck for Peace event along with the Rev. Donna Christine Park, who visited from Mesa, Arizona, and Stephen Corandan, of Florence, Burlington County, in 2013.

Then-98-year-old Helene Young, of Galloway Township, honored her sister, Peace Pilgrim, by walking a route escorted by Mayte Picco-Kline, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Elise Granelli, of Egg Harbor City.

CHARLIE PRITCHARD For The Press

Helene Young was born Feb. 18, 1915. She lived through World War I, the previous century’s pandemic, the Great Depression and World War II.

“Her husband taught her how to drive behind the wheel of a Model A Ford,” said her friend and caretaker Sandy Leary. “She was an exceptional person who had a very good life.”

Young, 105, of the Cologne section of Galloway Township, died Jan. 14 of congestive heart failure. She was a renowned peace activist and volunteer who was dedicated to keeping alive the memory of her sister, the woman known as Peace Pilgrim.

Born Mildred Lisette Norman, Peace Pilgrim was an American spiritual teacher, mystic, pacifist, vegetarian and peace activist, best known for her long walks, including traversing the length of the Appalachian Trail as well as seven cross-country journeys. After Peace Pilgrim’s death in 1981, Young kept her sister’s name alive by hosting and organizing events in her honor and advocating for peace. That included collecting funds for the March of Dimes for 40 years.

“Helene Young was one of those truly remarkable women who are an inspiration to younger folks of all ages who flock to be in her company,” said Nanette LoBiondo Galloway, of Egg Harbor City, a friend of Young who helped her organize events in her sister’s memory. “She was admired not only for her pleasant personality, mental and physical stamina, but more importantly, her ability to give of herself to others. In addition to having a beautiful mind, she had a beautiful heart, and never let her age be a barrier.”