PEARL BASSER

BASSER--Pearl.

Pearl Gershman Basser passed away surrounded by her loving family on April 14, 2017, after a valiant battle against cancer. Pearl was born in Philadelphia in 1935 to Rebecca and Harry Gershman. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Jack Gershman, Paul Gershman and Frieda Merkin. She shared a life with her devoted husband, Philip Basser, for 65 years. Pearl was a generous and strong woman who spent her entire life doing for others while asking little for herself. From a humble upbringing as the youngest child of deaf, Russian immigrants, she saved, invested wisely, and ultimately became a passionate advocate for and philanthropist to the Basser Center for BRCA at the University of Pennsylvania, a cancer institute named in memory of her daughter, Faith. Beginning at a young age as a Candy Striper, Pearl went on to become a tireless volunteer for many local hospitals and civic and charitable organizations. Over the course of many years, she knitted countless hats and blankets for premature babies. Pearl was a prominent member of Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel of Philadelphia, serving the congregation as a member of the Board and Vice President of the Sisterhood. She was a lifetime member of ORT and Hadassah, donating time and resources to these charities that were dear to her. She also served for many years on the Philadelphia Board of Elections and at the Franklin Institute. Pearl was a woman ahead of her time and, in addition to her volunteer positions, she worked for decades as a bookkeeper for Schubert, Bellwoar, Mallon & Walheim, a local Philadelphia law firm, Alesker & Reiff, a local architectural firm, and Philip B. Basser Advertising, a renowned agency. In addition to her philanthropic activities and professional career, Pearl donated her time and money to the local casinos. She is survived by her husband, Philip Basser; her son, Stephen Basser and his wife, Crissy; her daughters, Shari Potter and Mindy Gray, and their husbands, Len Potter and Jon Gray; and Gus Calderone, the widower of her beloved daughter, Faith. She is also survived by 14 loving grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and her cherished and legendary holiday recipes. The funeral will be on Tuesday, April 18th, at 10am at Central Synagogue, 652 Lexington Avenue (at 55th Street), New York, NY. The burial will follow the service at Montefiore Cemetery, 600 Church Road, Jenkintown, PA. Donations may be made in Pearl's memory to the Basser Center for BRCA at the University of Pennsylvania www.basser.org a place of great importance to Pearl and her family.