Pearl Loretta "Bernier" Plaisted

Pearl Plaisted, 96, passed away peacefully into the arms of her gracious God while surrounded by her loving family on the evening of March 11, 2026.

Pearl was born to John and Lea (Rouleau) Bernier in Berwick on October 25, 1929. She spent nearly her entire life in the community of Berwick. She played basketball for Berwick High School, and despite her petite stature, earned the nickname "Rugged Number 4." She graduated valedictorian of her class, then entered the workforce, serving in the office at Brackett & Shaw and later becoming a supervisor at Prudential Insurance in Dover.

Along the way, she met Allan Plaisted, and their courtship was filled with laughter and dancing at the Rockingham Ballroom and the Pier at Old Orchard Beach. They married on June 27, 1953, and in 1960, Pearl transitioned to being at home full-time with her two oldest children, Sheila and Craig, and soon welcomed Scott and then Dawn. Ever industrious and helpful, Pearl did part-time work for the Bo Peep Diaper Service, owned by her brother Richard.

Pearl was a lifelong communicant of the Our Lady of Peace parish, where she served faithfully at sodality, funeral luncheons, turkey suppers, food pantry, whist parties, and senior activities throughout her life. A devout believer, she could be found every night kneeling in her darkened living room, praying her rosary.

Pearl was warm and welcoming to all, and showed her love to friends and family through action, service, and always trying to feed anyone who found themselves in her company. Her loved ones remember very well the delicious treats she always made, from her icebox cake to the butterball cookies with multicolored sugar that she baked for every holiday. Pearl and Allan loved to host family for Sunday dinners and holidays, and they did so until she was nearly 90 years old.

Pearl's hospitality extended to the renters who came to enjoy the Plaisted family cottage in York, some of whom brought three generations of family to take in the sun and sand at the cottage over more than four decades. They all became friends, with many of them as close as family after so many years spent together in Maine summers. Down at the cottage, walking the beach and sitting on the porch catching up with family and friends, and enjoying the view were two of Pearl's favorite activities. She also loved gardening, ballroom dancing, blueberry picking with family, and card games – especially whist, cribbage, and rummy. She could make a game out of anything. Even into her 80's, she could be counted on to set up the croquet set, throw a ball, or get down on the floor to play blocks with her nine grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Pearl lived a full life of love, joy, and care for others, and she will be forever remembered for her ready smile, infectious chuckle, quick wit, and genuinely warm heart. Most recently in her time at Avita of Wells, she proved that even in some of the most challenging years of life, a kind, positive person can still have a profoundly powerful impact on those around her. The family is so grateful for all the caregivers and staff at Avita who helped care for Pearl with devotion and compassion over the last two years.

Pearl is predeceased by her dear husband, Allan Plaisted, with whom she shared 65 years of marriage, her son, Scott Plaisted, and her grandson, Joshua Plaisted. She is survived and adored by her daughter Sheila and her husband Bruce Lilly of Bethel; son Craig and his wife Cynthia Plaisted of Berwick; daughter Dawn and her husband Cory Steere of Wells; her daughter-in-law Carol Plaisted of York; eight grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at J.S Pelkey Funeral Home from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. A Mass will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at St. Christopher's, starting at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Catholic Charities Maine. https://www.ccmaine.org/