Pearl Seril Pell ’77

Pearl died July 17, 2023, after battling cancer for a year.

At Princeton, she majored in English and sang with the Katzenjammers. She continued singing with Out of the Orange and the Decrepits (now Decrepitunes). They sang at our 40th. Pearl gave up coffee to reach the high notes — true dedication. Classmates remember her great sense of humor, beautiful voice, strength of character, and generosity. 

She was a principal of Longfellow Properties in New York and a power player in real estate whose modesty precluded her promoting her professional accomplishments. She was also on the board of Sanctuary for Families, which honored her in 2021 for her 20 years of service, part of her lifelong commitment to advancing social justice and building stronger communities.

She is survived by her husband, Owen; her sons Nathan ’12 and Adam; big sister Barbara Seril; nieces Sheryl Carp and Laura Rosenblatt; and many cousins. Pearl’s love of family, intelligence, humor, valor, good works, energy, and zest for life were apparent to all who knew her. Her family, many friends, and classmates will miss her deeply, remember her with love and affection, and cherish the way she touched and enriched their lives.