PELHAM - Hope (Gilson) Wright passed away at her home in Pelham Jan. 8, 2012, after a period of declining health.

She was born March 21, 1929, in Worcester, the daughter of Henry L. and Willoa (Pierce) Gilson. She graduated from the Bancroft School in Worcester in 1947, and from Mount Holyoke College, where she was named to Phi Beta Kappa, in 1951.

In 1966 she married George E. Wright, who survives her. She was employed by The American Antiquarian Society in Worcester as secretary to the librarian from 1952 to 1959, by the University of Massachusetts Library as a cataloger from 1959 to 1966 and by the Amherst College Library as a cataloger from 1966 to 1976. After retirement she worked as a volunteer in the Pelham Town Library until her health began declining.

She maintained an interest in music (especially classical and jazz) and in literature and the theater, and was active in the Pelham United Church and in the Friends of Pelham Library.

She loved to read. In her younger days, she was an avid Red Sox fan. She was a supporter of many environmental causes.

Besides her husband she leaves an aunt and several cousins, including Gail Ojala of Shelburne Falls, and several caring friends, especially Gail Berube of Pelham, who provided comfort and sympathy in her last days.

The assistance of the VNA & Hospice of Cooley Dickinson was greatly appreciated.

There are no calling hours. Burial will be private. A memorial service will be held in late March, at a date and place to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Kestrel Land Trust, the Friends of the Pelham Library, and the Pelham United Church in Hope's name would be appreciated.