Pearl E. Appel

Pearl E. Appel, born January 30th, 1930, passed away on May 18th at the age of 92. She died peacefully in the company of her nephew, Lester Appel, and his wife Lois and children Mariam, Joseph and Rose. A native Chicagoan, it was Pearl’s expressed wish to be returned to her home town for burial alongside her beloved father and mother, Joseph and Rose Appel. Her brother, Irving Appel, to whom she was devoted is also buried along with his wife, Bobette, in the Chicagoland area.

Pearl suffered from eye problems for most of her life. Shortly after the loss of her brother and as her eyesight continued to worsen, no longer allowing Pearl to maintain the independence she cherished, she moved to St. Louis, Missouri and reestablished a relationship with her husband’s first wife, Edith James, the mother of her niece, Andrea James, and nephew Lester. Her eyesight continued to decline despite the efforts of the doctors at the prestigious Washington University Medical Center and she moved to the west coast to be closer to Lester, his larger extended family and his circle of professional caregivers.

Through all of this, Pearl never lost her quirky sense of humor or her kindness. Always an artist, when she could no longer see to paint, she worked with her tactile senses to do crafts of all sorts. She also maintained a life-long crush on the actor, William Shattner that her family found endearing. Pearl was known for her many hats! She had to wear something with a brim to protect her eyes from the pain that bright light caused, and she had a wonderful collection of hats for just that purpose.

Pearl is back home now in Chicago. There will be a memorial service for her on Monday May 23rd at 12:15 PM. at the Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Rd., Arlington Heights, A link to view the service virtually and/or to leave condolences to the family is available at www.shalommemorial.org. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Yad Vashem at www.yadvashem.org. Rest in Peace Auntie Pearl. You have earned it.

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Service Information

Service : Monday, May 23rd at 12:15 pm
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service -Shalom Memorial Funeral Home

Interment:
Shalom Memorial Park
1700 W. Rand RoadArlington Heights