Pearl Ann Smiley

Pearl Ann Smiley, 84, of Delray Beach, FL passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024. She was born and raised in New York City, NY by her parents Philip Fischel and Sarah Jean (Levak) Bresalier.

She was married to the late Charles “Richard” Smiley for 49 years until he passed in 2012.

Pearl spent the majority of her career working for Marsh & McLennan as an account executive and retired from there after many years of service.  She held a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hunter College in New York City. She had a passion for doing the daily New York Times crossword, seeking solace at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Palm Beach County, and birdwatching.  She found joy in cooking and could create delicious meals from scratch with no recipe in sight. She also enjoyed supporting public television and the Smithsonian.

Pearl is survived by her son James I. Smiley and his wife Nancy; seven grandchildren: Mallory Carlson (Alex), Madison Skoller, Mackenzie Skoller (Shaked Gofin), Joshua Smiley, Jason Smiley, Brett Smiley and Brendan Smiley; two great grandchildren, Annie and Maggie Carlson; son-in-law Michael Skoller; brother-in-law Mordi Avni; and multiple nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughter Melinda Skoller in 2021, and her two sisters, Shira Avni and Libby Cohen.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Hartenstein Funeral & Cremation Care, Inc., 24 N. Second St., New Freedom, PA 17349. Family and friends are invited to the home of Nancy and James Smiley immediately thereafter for contemplation and fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens: https://morikami.org/product/gift-in-honor-or-memory .