Remembering the inspiring lives of Lucy Nichol, Edith Bell, and Miriam Thompson

A Celebration of the life Lucy Nichol, founder of Central VT WILPF
by Robin Lloyd
Vermont WILPF 

July 2022

On Thursday, June 30, friends and loved ones held a celebration of the life of Lucy Nichol, long time organizer and founder of the Central VT branch of WILPF. Lucy was a beloved activist, teacher, gardener, and woman of peace. Every Friday at noon for years, she was part of a small group standing in front of the Montpelier Post Office holding signs protesting war or calling for nuclear disarmament. She always celebrated Hiroshima Day in early August by making and floating origami boats with candles down the Winooski River to symbolize the hope that the world would never again see such destruction. She helped found the Raging Grannies with other women in Central Vermont, and sang at many rallies and events. 

A group gathered at the Peace Park, maintained by former members of WILPF, and floated candle boats on the nearby Winooski River in honor of Lucy’s remarkable life. 

Remembering Miriam Thomspon
by Lucy Lewis
WILPF Triangle Branch

Miriam Thompson, long-time WILPF Triangle (NC) branch member, died on Mother’s Day, May 8, 2022 after a brief illness. After moving from New York City to North Carolina in 2008 to be closer to her daughters and grandchildren, Miriam quickly became a pillar of our branch as well as the local peace and justice community. For several years, she was a member of the Triangle steering committee; she also created and strengthened our alliances with numerous local organizations, especially in the labor movement. Miriam deeply understood the meaning of intersectionality and the slogan No Justice, No Peace. She was passionately committed to numerous justice issues, including Palestinian and Black liberation, worker and immigrant rights, affordable health care and housing, LGBTQ rights, reproductive rights, environmental justice, and many others.

Miriam will be deeply missed.  But she brought an indomitable spirit, tireless energy, fierce determination, and faith in humanity that will continue to inspire us all.  And as her daughter Rinah recently wrote, “If you want to honor her, engage in the revolution.  Don’t wait.  Pick something to do - and do it with all your being.”  There will be a full remembrance of Miriam in the Fall/Winter issue of Peace and Freedom.

Honoring the legacy of Edith Bell 
by Susan Smith
Pittsburg Branch 

The death of Edith Bell on May 22, 2022, is a huge loss to WILPF and the activism community in Pittsburgh. During her time in the US, she started three WILPF branches – in Wisconsin, West Virginia, and finally Pittsburgh in 2002. In 2003, Edith co-founded the Pittsburgh Raging Grannies who sang (and sing) frequently at events, such as marches, the Occupy Movement, and sometimes on street corners. For years, Edith organized WILPF meetings, marches, made signs, and showed up at planning meetings and events of related organizations. She became an active and leading member of several groups including Stop Banking the Bomb, Black and White Reunion, Thomas Merton Center, and Remembering Hiroshima/Imagining Peace.

Edith was a Holocaust survivor from four Nazi camps. Some of her most public accomplishments included speaking to young people about the Holocaust and its lessons through the Holocaust Survivors Center and local schools. Edith was concerned about peace and justice issues all her adult life, going strong until shortly before her death at 98. She is an inspiration to us all. There will a full remembrance of Edith in the Fall/Winter issue of Peace & Freedom.