Elizabeth Huddle plays a Vermont widow suffering from terminal cancer. As hard as it is for Huddle to condition herself to her fate, it is twice as difficult for her brooding lover (Christopher Lloyd), her sister (Leslie Paxton) and her daughter (Laurie Prange). The film studies not only the individual reactions of those around the dying woman, but also how her cancer affects the intertwining relationships. Director Michael Roemer, had previously helmed a similarly-themed documentary, titled simply Dying. Pilgrim Farewell was first presented as the PBS American Playhouse entry of March 23, 1982.
~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide