Gae Pearl

It is with great sadness that we tell you of the passing of our mother, Gae, on 5/23/20, at the age of 87. She grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from Washburn High and UW Madison. Her love of fashion and the arts led her to a career designing women’s coats She died peacefully in her sleep after contracting Covid-19. We weren’t allowed inside her room so we had to sit outside her window and watch from afar as she slipped into a coma, only being able to talk to her through her window to let her know we were there, and that she was loved. We could not hold her hand or give her a kiss on her forehead and whisper that it was ok. We thank God that her nurse, Angela, sat by her side, talked to her, stroked her hair, and made sure she was not in pain. The evening before her death, the staff helped us set up a camera in her room. Throughout the evening we were able to watch her die. We hope she was able to hear our voices, through the speaker, as her breathing shortened. She passed early in the morning without loved ones by her side. We were not able to view her body or give her one last kiss on her forehead or let her know of the hole in our hearts. We will not be able to have a funeral or sit Shiva where we can get together and hug each other and look into the eyes of people she loved. This is what it looks like for our family. This is what we will carry with us the rest of our lives. We are not alone as we share in this experience with friends and neighbors that are struggling with the same scenarios. Our heart goes out to each and every one of them. Gae was a mother, sister, grandmother, auntie, cousin, and friend. She was a clothing designer, tennis fan, lover of old movies, fashion, the arts, and classical piano. She was a book reader, bridge player, mentor, great listener, and a student of life! She loved to laugh, had a great sense of humor and an infectious smile. Mostly she loved her family, grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends! She told us that, to quote Woody Allen, “I’m not afraid to die, I just don’t want to be there when it happens!” We hope that she is at peace with her family and all her funny friends that have passed before her, and that she sleeps well! She is preceded in death by her parents, Sarah and Arthur Rosenberg. Survived by her brother, Dr. Robert Rosenberg, children, Joni Pearl and Wally Lederer, Julie and Bob Pearl, grandchildren, Chas and Ethan Lederer and Mara and Jack Pearl and beloved cousins. The family wants to thank Wildflower Lodge for their care to Gae. Memorials to a charity of your personal choice. A memorial service will take place later this summer. Love you mom, you will be missed!