Dear Friends,
Pearl Ziffer Diamond, who grew up in the Old Broadway Synagogue, passed away earlier this year. Matthew, one of her children, sent the following sketch of Pearl's life. May her memory be for a blessing!
Pearl Ziffer Diamond passed away peacefully on January 30, 2023 just three weeks shy of her 98th birthday. She was a treasured mother, grandmother, aunt, friend and revered matriarch of her family for decades. Pearl lived a Jewish life punctuated by a kosher home, celebrations of every Jewish holiday and presided over a family defined by her haimische warmth, good humor and abundant love.
Born Pearl Ziffer on February 24, 1925 to her loving parents, Louis and Sarah Ziffer, she was their youngest child, basking in the adoration of her older brothers Yossi and Irving and her sister, Beatrice. A member of Old Broadway Synagogue from birth, Pearl had a lively childhood on nearby Vinegar Hill. She jumped rope avidly, played basketball (despite being five foot two inches tall) and made lifelong friends among all the children of her neighborhood.
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| Pearl and Irwin Diamond, 1940s |
During World War II Pearl met a handsome soldier stationed at a school on her block, Irwin Diamond. They dated and, after he returned from Europe and recovered from his war wounds, they married, settling in Queens. She loved her new name, Pearl Diamond.
They became the parents of three extremely lucky children, Dennis, Matthew and Cori-Sue. As the years passed Irwin and Pearl became the acknowledged Matriarch and Patriarch of their extended family. Their home was filled with laughter, delight, warmth and generosity. Every celebration was hosted there, including Seders, Purim, Thanksgiving, and Hanukah. It was a joy to live through.
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| Pearl with Dennis, Cori-Sue and Matthew |
In 1966 Pearl’s mother, Sarah, suffered a debilitating stroke rendering her paralyzed and unable to speak. Rejecting the mediocre care given by the nursing homes of that time, Pearl and Irwin created a hospital room in their home where her mother was cared for preciously for four years until she passed peacefully. It was, quite honestly, a saintly act.
Eventually, after Irwin’s passing, Pearl moved to Atlanta to be near her son and daughter and grandchildren. In her heart this lifelong New Yorker never left New York City.
Magically, and deservedly, Pearl never had a real sickness in her life. Literally, she was out at a restaurant having dinner until two nights before her passing. Until the end she was lively, conversational and kept track of every family member, including what each member was getting for Hanukah. She also maintained her membership in Old Broadway synagogue through the end.
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| Pearl at her 95th birthday party |
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