Pearl Zucker

Pearl Zucker
October 21, 1927 - July 30, 2025
Pearl (Cele) Zucker (Kestenbaum), 97, of Fairfield, CT, wife of the late Dr. Jonas Zucker, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, surrounded by loved ones, in Jackson, NJ; and was buried on August 1, 2025, in Fairfield. Pearl was born in Brooklyn, NY, on October 21, 1927, a daughter of the late Phillip and Mildred (Braff) Kestenbaum.
Pearl earned a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from Brooklyn College in 1948 and a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Southern Connecticut State University in 1975. She taught at the JCC nursery school and would bring her guitar in every Friday and sing with the kids. Later, she taught at Staples Elementary School in Easton, CT. Pearl was a dedicated member of Rodeph Sholom Synagogue and walked to synagogue each Saturday until she was in her 90s. She volunteered regularly in the community, was a lifelong member of Hadassah, served as President of the Fairfield Hadassah chapter, and received the Hadassah National Leadership award in 2004. Pearl loved watching sunsets, knitting, spending time in nature, playing tennis, and visiting the beach. She was appreciative of her good fortune in life and was grateful for everything from time with family to a comfy pair of clip-on earrings and a fresh ear of corn. Pearl was an avid correspondent, who sent birthday and anniversary cards to friends and family each year, and spent time each day keeping up with her loved ones over email and on the phone. She also created files for each person in her life and saved newspaper clippings, magazine articles, and anything else she thought that person might find interesting or useful. Pearl collected objects featuring pineapples, a symbol of hospitality since the colonial era, and frequently welcomed visitors into her home. She loved chocolate, especially dark chocolate and Graeters ice cream.
Pearl lovingly raised 4 children, David Zucker (Elizabeth) of Cincinnati, OH, Beth (Bassyah) Weinreb (Yitzhok) of Jackson, NJ, Charles Zucker of Los Angeles, CA, and Jonathan Zucker of Philadelphia, PA. She was the proud grandmother of Alisha Zucker (Michael), Heather Zucker (Scott), Pinchos Goldson, Yechiel Goldson (Aidel), Bummie Goldson (Leah), CB Weinreb, Menachem Weinreb (Yummie), Amalia Zucker, and Orly Zucker; and she was beloved by her 17 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Rabbi Leon Kestenbaum; and sister, Roslyn Clayman. She was predeceased by her sister, Ethel Renick. She is missed dearly by all.
Memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Rodeph Sholom, Mozaic Senior Life, Hadassah, or a charity of your choice.