Pearl Bean Kobylarz

Pearl B. Kobylarz, 92, of Concord, NC and formerly of Newark Valley, peacefully passed away in her sleep on April 24, 2015, after a long and very rewarding life. Born in Newark Valley on Jan. 22, 1923, Pearl was a daughter of the late Charles W. and Julia Etta (Lawrence) Bean. Also predeceasing her were her loving husband of 50 years, J. George Kobylarz, her beloved daughter Georgia Lewis, her sister, Sceone and brother Larry Bean, and son-in-law, John Norzow. Pearl is survived by her cherished family: daughter, Florence Norzow, son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Marie Kobylarz, foster son, Gordon Lewis; sister-in-law, Shirley Bean, grandchildren: Melissa Kobylarz, Mindy and Matt Darnell, Monica and Nathan Troutman, Joseph George Kobylarz II, Jesse Lewis, Kelly and John Artman; great grandchildren: Emalyn Troutman, Sean and Sarah Pearl Artman, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. Pearl was a graduate of Newark Valley High School. In her early years, she was an employee of NBT Bank. She and George successfully operated Georges Greenhouses, the largest wholesale growers of tulips, daffodils and iris in the east for more than 30 years and a retail floral design store. During those years, her home was also home to many horticultural students from Holland and Poland as well as Fresh Air Children from NYC. While being an exceptional manager of the business she was also a cook and planner extraordinaire. It was not unusual for Pearl to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner to many more than just her family. She was an active member of her church in Newark Valley and Concord Trinity United Church of Christ; a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an international women's organization of about 250,000 members with a primary focus on providing educational opportunities for female students worldwide; Zonta, and Eastern Star. She was the first woman Chairman of the Tioga County Chamber of Commerce, a member of Cooperative Extension and in her spare time enjoyed dancing, especially square dancing, with the Round and Square Dance Club of Owego, NY. Following her retirement from the business world, Pearl volunteered as a mentor at Mt. Pleasant (NC) Elementary School and at the Salvation Army Night Shelter in Concord, well into her 90th year. Pearls family will receive their friends at the MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley on Saturday, May 2, from 1-2 pm. A Funeral Service and Celebration of Her Life will follow at 2 PM. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. For those wishing, kindly direct Memorials to the Alzheimers Assoc. or the George and Pearl Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Newark Valley High School, Newark Valley, NY 13811 in Loving Memory of Pearl B. Kobylarz. Memories may be shared in Pearls Guest Book at macphersonfh.com