Pearl Kobylarz

Pearl B. Kobylarz, 92, of Concord, NC and formerly of Newark Valley, NY peacefully passed away in her sleep 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, Newark Valley. 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 NY 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 Elementary School for many years and at the Salvation Army Night Shelter in Concord, well into her 90th year. Pearl’s family will receive their friends at the Gordon Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant on Tuesday evening from 6-8 PM. A Funeral Service and Celebration of Her Life will be held at Trinity United Church of Christ, Concord on Wednesday at 5 PM with Rev. Nathan King officiating. For those wishing, kindly direct Memorials to the Alzheimer’s 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 gordonfuneralhome.com or macphersonfh.com