The Three Living Compilers of the Peace Pilgrim book
/Three of the five compilers of the Peace Pilgrim book, from left, Andy Zupko, Cheryl Canfield and Richard Polese.
After Peace Pilgrim's passing in 1981, about 50 people from around the U.S. attended a memorial gathering at the home of Richard Polese in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A decision was made to compile a collection of Peace Pilgrim’s words from letters, audiotapes and other sources. Five people – John and Ann Rush, Cheryl Canfield, Andy Zupko and Richard Polese – stayed to create what became the classic book, Peace Pilgrim: Her Life and Work in Her Own Words.
John and Ann Rush made their transition to a freer life, but three of those compilers are still here: Andy Zupko, Cheryl Canfield and Richard Polese.
Each had spent much time with Peace Pilgrim. Peace stayed at Richard’s home while in Santa Fe and the book includes a news article about her written by Richard, a local newspaper reporter at the time. Andy and Cheryl followed Peace Pilgrim around on her pilgrimage, attending her different speaking engagements, and enjoying many one-on-one conversations with her. They also participated in Peace Pilgrim’s inspirational tours in Alaska and Hawaii. (Richard, too, went on the Hawaiian tour.)
All three became founding members of the Friends of Peace Pilgrim board, dedicated to spreading the wisdom of their beloved friend and mentor. Cheryl, active as a wellness counselor, and Richard, a book publisher, remain on the FoPP board. Although Andy resigned and retired to a life of contemplation, we are regularly in touch with him.
The Peace Pilgrim book they lovingly put together has touched the lives of tens of thousands of people around the globe for nearly four decades. FoPP offers the book for free as a print book in English and Spanish, an audio book and as a digital download in 18 languages.
