Pearl “Perry” Sterling

Pearl (“Perry”) Diamond Sterling, age 88, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2013, in West Orange, New Jersey. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, one of six children of Jacob and Dora Diamond. Pearl married the love of her life, Sheldon R. Sterling in 1954. They raised their family in Endwell, New York, later making their home in Delray Beach, Florida. Sheldon predeceased Pearl in 2006. She is survived by her daughters, Joan Sterling, spouse Robert Lawrentz of Washington D.C.; Susan Sterling, spouse Alan Katz, grandchildren Dylan and Jake Katz of Sparta, New Jersey; and Betsy Sterling, spouse C. Kenneth Perri, grandchildren Kate and Adam Perri of Auburn, New York. Pearl was educated at City College of New York and worked in the fashion industry in New York City and California prior to returning to New York State. She was a woman ahead of her time and full of adventure, moving to California in 1949 with her girlfriends, with a stopover in Mexico. Pearl and Sheldon were married for 52 years, raising three fiercely independent daughters. Pearl came from a large extended family, and valued family time above all else. Pearl was known as “Bubbie” to her grandchildren, and time spent with her was like being at summer camp. Pearl was a baker extraordinaire, generously sharing her recipes with all who asked and spreading her baking insight far and wide. She was a staunch voting rights advocate, encouraging participation by all in the political process, and a strong supporter of civil rights. She had a closely held group of long-time friends, dating back to elementary school, and a special closeness with the “Golden Girls” of Endwell, New York, who shared their lives with each other for over 50 years.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday 11 am from the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott. Burial will be in Westlawn Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home Tuesday from 10:30 am until service time at 11 am. Donations in memory of Pearl Sterling may be made to food pantries through www.mazon.org, or www.broomecouncil.net/chow.