Pearl Madel

Pearl was born in Gilbert Plains near the town of Dauphin, Manitoba Canada into a Ukrainian farming family. She was one of seven - three brothers and four sisters, all but one of whom eventually left the Canadian Prairie to settle in southern Ontario or the United States. Pearl's choice was to come to New York City where, while working in Manhattan in the late 1930's, she met Erwin Madel whom she married shortly before the US entered World War II. Erwin enlisted in the US Airforce and served in the South Pacific processing aerial photos. Pearl stayed in their apartment in the Bronx, cultivating a circle of friends and becoming known for her exquisite needlework. After his war service, Erwin returned to Pioneer Moss, where he rose to the position of foreman.The couple continued in this fashion until the late 1970's when ill health claimed Erwin, and Pearl was left on her own. She took a position in the fine China Department at Wanamaker's Dept Store in the Cross County Shopping Centre and remained there until after the turn of the century. She also began receiving regular visits from her nieces and nephews in Canada and their children. In 1992, Pearl married Andrew Schwind, an old friend of both herself and Erwin's and, as well, a W.W. II veteran. She and Andy had 10 years together until his death in 2002. Since then Pearl's Canadian relatives have visited and called on a regular basis. Until recently, Pearl always stayed abreast of current events and the stock market. She was a great cook and gardener and her visiting family enjoyed meals and

social times especially in the large family room at the rear of her Somerset Drive home. Pearl and her family are grateful for the assistance of her next next door neighbor, Bobby Jagessar and his family, the Yonkers Police Department, Florence Omuga and Anthony Samela from Westchester County. A graveside service will take place in Woodlawn Cemetery, 4199 Webster Ave. (corner of East 233rd Street) Bronx, N.Y. on Wednesday April 3rd at 11:30am.