Nancy Pearl

Nancy F. Pearl Essex Junction Nancy Fawcett Pearl, age 88, died on Sunday, July 10, 2011, at Fletcher Allen Hospital, from injuries suffered in an automobile accident four days earlier. Nancy is survived by four children: Tom Pearl and his wife, Suzanne Pearl, of St. Albans, H.D. Pearl and his wife, Denise Pearl, of Essex Junction, Rich Pearl and his wife, Pam Cyr, of South Burlington, and Tricia Pearl Brown and her husband, Steve Brown, of Eugene, Oregon. Nancy had 10 grandchildren, Jason Pearl, Erik Pearl, Sarah Pearl, Matt Pearl, Tyler Pearl, Ben Pearl, Julia Pearl, Avery Cyr, Denton Brown, and Max Brown. To read a detailed story of Nancy’s life, see more photos, or sign the on-line guest book, visit www.awrichfuneralhomes.com. Nancy was born to Thomas and Katherine Fawcett on August 14, 1922, on Long Island, New York. She had one brother, the late Tom Fawcett, to whom she always referred as “the best brother in the world.” Tom passed away in 1998. Nancy grew up in North Plainfield, New Jersey and graduated from North Plainfield High School in 1940. One of her many high school accomplishments was being the first girl to earn her letters as a member of the varsity boys’ tennis team. Nancy went on to college at the University of Vermont (UVM) where she spent four years and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. Nancy pledged Kappa Alpha Theta and made sorority friendships that lasted throughout her life. Nancy was an active, athletic student at UVM. While at UVM, Nancy met her future husband, Houghton D. Pearl of Burlington, Vermont. Nancy and Houghton were married on May 30, 1945 in Marblehead, Massachusetts. The Pearls were married for 61 years when Houghton passed away in 2006. During the early years of their married life, the Pearls lived in Ludlow, Burlington, Danville and Vergennes, Vermont as Houghton began his career as an educator. Nancy’s first three children, Tom, Katherine “Kit” who died in 1953 at the age of 5, and H.D. were born in Vermont. Nancy and Houghton lived in the Boston area during the 1950’s and ‘60’s. Their two youngest children, Richard and Tricia, were born in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Nancy often spoke of the years the family spent in Marblehead as some of her favorite ones. She loved being a mom and homemaker, being near the ocean, sailing, swimming, walking and spending time at the beach with her children and friends. Nancy passed her love of sports and her athletic ability on to all of her children. Nancy was an enthusiastic and LOUD fan at all her children’s and later, her grandchildren’s, sporting events. Nancy and Houghton returned to Vermont in 1969. They lived in Barre, Manchester and Ludlow as Houghton continued to work in the education system. Nancy’s ability to make friends and connect to new communities made each move smooth and successful for the whole family. As Houghton neared retirement, Nancy and her sons, Tom and HD, opened Pearl’s Sports Center in Burlington. Nancy and Houghton bought a condominium at the Ledgewood complex in Burlington where they lived for the next 18 years. Nancy often pointed out it was the longest period of time she and Houghton ever lived in a home! Nancy loved being close to the lake and also having a pool and tennis court where she could play with her friends and grandchildren, staying active. One of her favorite sayings was, “I can’t slow down! If I do, I might stop!” In 2002 Nancy and Houghton moved into their own separate living space in H.D.’s home in Essex Junction. Nancy cared for Houghton with love, determination and dignity up until his death. Nancy was also keeping herself busy working for the Vermont Visiting Nurses Association as a home visitor and volunteering with a number of other agencies. Nancy’s most recent volunteer posts were with the following agencies and service providers: • Champlain Valley Agency on Aging (CVAA), 76 Pearl St., Suite 201, Essex Junction, VT 05452, (802) 865-0360, www.cvaa.org • Hope Lodge, 237 East Ave., Burlington, VT 05401, (802) 658-0649, www.cancer.org/hopelodge • United Way of Chittenden County, 412 Farrell St., Suite 200, So. Burlington, VT 05403, (802) 860-1677, www.unitedwaycc.org o RSVP School Buddies at Essex Elementary School o Crafty Hands, Warm Hearts knitting program o Fletcher Allen Health Care o American Red Cross Blood Services, NE o Essex Meals on Wheels Donations to any of these agencies in remembrance of Nancy would be a great way to honor her memory. Nancy’s spirit, all of the generous, loving, outgoing qualities that made her uniquely Nancy, will live on in us as long as we remember her. We can demonstrate how much we value what Nancy showed us and taught us by continuing to let her inspire and guide our footsteps in this world. Nancy’s family and friends will be hosting a potluck gathering from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, 2011, at the lower picnic shelter (near the entrance) at Oakledge Park in Burlington, Vermont. We would love to spend the day remembering Nancy, sharing stories, laughing and supporting each other at one of her favorite places. Nancy always loved a picnic at Oakledge! Bring your photos, funny stories, and memories to share. Bring a potluck dish if you’d like to. We hope to see you there.