Pepe Pilcher

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Pepe Pili Pilcher. Known and cherished in so many ways-as a daughter, sister, niece, wife, auntie, mother, grandmother, GG, and friend-Pepe was a woman who had a special gift for touching hearts. To know her was to love her instantly. Pepe left an indelible mark on everyone she cared for with her laughter, generosity, and boundless zest for life. At the remarkable age of 91, she peacefully departed this world on December 25, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and joy. On this Christmas Day, she was reunited in eternal peace with her true love, Jimmy Dale Pilcher-a reunion we know she longed for deeply. Pepe's life was as vibrant and colorful as the flowers and vegetables she lovingly cultivated in her gardens. Each bloom and harvest reflected her passion, creativity, and care, much like the relationships she tended throughout her life.
Now, please bear with us as we embark on the one thing Pepe disliked the most-bragging. But, we simply must, because a life as extraordinary as hers deserves to be celebrated in all its glory.
Pepe was born on July 19, 1933, on the sun-kissed island of Tutuila, in Mapusaga, American Samoa. As the youngest of her many sisters and brothers, she was the tag-along baby sister who brought joy and energy to every moment. Rarely bored, she was the adventurous spirit of the family, always eager to explore. Whether playing volleyball and basketball, sneaking out to dance halls with her cousins, or finding new ways to get into mischief, Pepe lived life with an infectious enthusiasm. Yet, under the watchful eye of her mother, she learned the importance of service, hard work, and dedication to family. It was through these lessons that Pepe's heart grew as big as her love for those around her. As she grew older, she discovered a deep love for gardening, camping, and cheering for BYU football-activities that reflected her enduring passion for nature, adventure, and loyalty.
As a young adult, Pepe knew she was destined for faraway lands. Shortly after moving from Samoa to Hawaii, she began writing letters to a young Airman from Texas, stationed at Hickam AFB. When they scheduled their first date, Pepe wasn't quite sure she was ready to meet Jimmy, so she fibbed about what she'd be wearing just to make sure he wasn't ugly. Her inspection of him required an apology letter and a second "first date." Within weeks, they were in love, and they secretly married in an intimate ceremony in the home of Pepe's church Bishop. Soon after, Pepe's life would change dramatically as she left island-living behind and followed Jimmy, whose commitment to the U.S. Air Force led them across the country and beyond-to Florida, California, Germany, Maine, Montana, Utah, and back to Hawaii before deciding to set their roots in Ogden, Utah. Wherever they went, Pepe embraced her new surroundings with grace, adapting to each place with an open heart and a spirit of adventure.
Pepe was always committed to deepening her connection to family and community. Whether through her work, volunteer efforts, or simply the kindness she extended to others, she was a constant source of support, always lifting those around her. Her infectious smile and jovial spirit could light up any room, and her sense of humor brought joy wherever she went. Sunday dinners will forever stand out in the hearts of her grandchildren, as dinner was never complete without Pepe preparing meals for many of the single or elderly members of her ward. She would send her grandchildren out to deliver the meals before they could enjoy dessert, teaching them the importance of service. There was never a hungry belly at Pepe's house; she always made sure of that. Pepe also served faithfully in various church callings in the Ogden 4th Ward, embracing each opportunity to help and serve, just as Christ would've done. Service was always at the heart of who she was.
Above all, Pepe was a family woman. She cherished her role as a wife to Jimmy and as a mother to Lorraine, Michael, and Myrna, always prioritizing the well-being of her loved ones. Her grandchildren were also a special joy in her life, and she took immense pride in being a loving, guiding figure to them. Becoming a great-grandmother brought her even more happiness, and she delighted in seeing the prosperity of her family live on. Pepe also loved it when family members, who traveled from miles away, would come to visit. Her home was always open, a place to sit, relax, and share a meal. And, of course, there were plenty of freshly baked chocolate chip or jam-filled cookies. Countless nieces, nephews, great- nieces and great-nephews, and grandchildren all made sure to stop by before heading to the Missionary Training Center in Provo. Pepe recognized each loved one's youthful spirit and willingness to serve the Lord unconditionally. The examples lived by those she loved encouraged Pepe to also serve as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints after the passing of her devoted husband, Jimmy, of 41 years. With the same dedication she had for her garden, she answered the call to serve in the Apia Western Samoa Temple Mission, made even more special as she was able to serve alongside a couple of her sisters. Clad in her floral muumuu, she spread joy and love wherever the Lord led her, teaching and serving her own people with an unrelenting love for the gospel.
Pepe loved knitting tiny baby hats and blankets with her daughter Myrna for babies at McKay Dee Hospital, ensuring that every child felt warmth and love. In addition to her knitting, she enjoyed crocheting blankets for her loved ones, often creating beautiful, heartfelt gifts. On occasion, she even made lovely baby outfits for her great-grandchildren. One winter, she spent hours quilting blankets for her grandchildren, which they helped with at various times. Unbeknownst to them, they were actually helping to tie their Christmas presents that year. Each stitch she made was a reflection of her love and care, turning simple crafts into cherished keepsakes.
Pepe also found peace in the outdoors. She loved being surrounded by her flowers, especially her roses. If someone commented on how lovely her flowers were, she would smile, knowing that many of them came from trips to the Ogden Cemetery by her husband, Jimmy, and one or two of the grandchildren. They would collect blooms that the city was about to throw out, bringing them back to add to their garden. Later, she began to collect tulips, often laughing as she told friends how her granddaughter salvaged the bulbs from around the Governor's Mansion in Washington as they were being tossed out for the season. Gardening was a form of therapy for Pepe, a way to nurture and grow.
Pepe's love for the outdoors also extended to camping throughout Ogden Canyon, where the grandchildren splashed in the chilly river and songbirds would sing sweetly in the trees before her son-in-law would chop down a tree to roast huli-huli chicken over an open flame.
Nothing, however, brought Pepe more joy than her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who considered her their full-time pancake and cookie-making machine. Whether at sleepovers, strolling through the garden, raiding her freezer for cookies she was saving for a later time, or getting surprise haircuts at the kitchen table, the laughter that filled Pepe's home will echo through the generations, reminding us of the incredible woman she was.
Pepe's life was a testament to love, service, and joy. Her warmth, kindness, and incredible ability to make people feel welcome will be greatly missed. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Pepe is survived by her brother: Falefau Pili; her children: Lorraine F. (Tupou) Fonokalafi and Michael D. (Margaret) Pilcher; her grandchildren: Latu (Tammy) Fonokalafi, Lesila(Morgan) Kemp, Ana (Peter) McMullen, Joshua (Cara) Fonokalafi, Matthew (Christine) Pilcher, Monica Pilcher, and Miranda Pilcher; and her great-grandchildren: Benjamin, Olivia, William, Landon, Cooper, Marilyn, Lincoln, Jimmy, Sorrell, Bethany, Maelee, Luci, Theodore, Elsie, Niua, Hevani, and Bruce.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jimmy; her daughter, Myrna; her mother, Salaevalu Pili; her father, her sisters, Lila Magalei Pilimai, Vaosa Magalei Roberts, Saitaugatuimanu'a Vaiola Magalei, To'oaloamali'i Esther Magalei De La Rosa, Pagaigaileulupe Lydia Pili Moe, and Faitotoa Maglei Levu; her brothers, Talio Magalei and Talafua Magalei, Fa'amamata Magalei, Taiaiu Lepo Magalei, Ae Naoao Magalei, and Talauega Muaimalae.
As we gather to celebrate her life, let's remember Pepe for the warmth she sowed, the joy she harvested, and the love she shared-just like her flowerbeds, her love for us continues to grow, even in her absence.
Services in honor of Pepe will be held on January 11, 2025, at Myers Mortuary, located at 845 S. Washington Blvd, Ogden, Utah 84404. Her family invites all those who wish to bid farewell to attend the viewing at 9:00 AM MST, followed by funeral services at 11:00 AM MST. We look forward to gathering together to celebrate and remember the extraordinary life of Pepe.
In lieu of flowers, Pepe would have preferred that you plant something special-be it a seed, a smile, or perhaps both. And should you feel adventurous, pack a basket, don your most outrageous sun hat, and go camp under the stars she and Jimmy once admired together. Who knows? Maybe you'll catch a glimpse of her encouraging you to find joy in every moment, much like she did in each of her 91 remarkable years.
Rest in peace, Pepe-your spirit will forever bloom in the hearts of those you touched.
Our family would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Peaks at Clinton Assisted Living Facility and its dedicated staff for their compassion and devotion to Pepe. We are also deeply thankful to Inspiration Hospice for the love, comfort, and care they provided to Pepe in her final days. Their kindness made a significant difference in her journey, and we are eternally grateful for their support.