LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the life and accomplishments of Pearl
Weill of Long Beach, New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to publicly mourn the
death of cherished citizens of the State of New York who served the
citizens of their community with exemplary dedication and conscientious
service; and
WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Pearl Weill, a local businesswoman, devout
Jew, politician and community activist, who died Friday, April 10, 2009,
at the age of 91, noting the loss of a citizen whose purposeful life and
endeavors contributed so much to the enrichment of her beloved Long
Beach community; and
WHEREAS, Born in Brooklyn on May 19, 1917, Pearl Weill moved with her
husband, the late Max Weill, to Long Beach in 1944, where they raised
Barry, their only child, and were longtime members of Temple Israel of
Long Beach; and
WHEREAS, She worked in the family handbag manufacturing business in
Manhattan for 25 years before opening her own business, Pearl Weill
Inc., at 39th Street and Fifth Avenue which sold scarves and fashion
accessories internationally; after selling the business 20 years later,
she got involved in the Long Beach community; and
WHEREAS, Widely and fondly known as the "First Lady of Long Beach" and
also known variously as "Pearly Mae," "Red" and "Sister Pearl," Pearl
Weill was active in many areas in her community and was well and
deservedly loved by people of varying political affiliations, religions
and ethnic backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, Pearl Weill served as a member of the Long Beach City Council
for a total of 20 years, from 1974 to 1976 and again from 1981 to 1999
and served twice as the Council's Vice President; she also served as a
Trustee of the local library board for three years, including one as
President, and was a member of the Women's Leadership Council and the
Long Island Economic Commission; and
WHEREAS, Pearl Weill was, in addition, the first female member of the
Kiwanis Club, Vice Chair of the Long Beach Arthritis Foundation, and
President of the Long Beach branch of the American Cancer Society; and
WHEREAS, She also helped raise funds for and regularly visited
patients, bringing her interest and caring concern, at the Long Beach
Medical Center's Komanoff Center for Geriatric and Rehabilitation Medi-
cine, where she spent her final days and where, in 1998, at age 82, she
co-founded a dance therapy program, sharing the joy and benefit of dance
therapy after breaking her hip and using dance as rehabilitation; and
WHEREAS, She was passionate, as well, about her work with Long Beach
senior citizens and the Christian Light Baptist Church, where she also
loved the music and was a frequent and most welcome visitor; and
WHEREAS, Pearl Weill's volunteerism was fittingly recognized by a
variety of organizations, and while she received numerous honors, a few
of them held a special place in her heart; in 2007, the City of Long
Beach dedicated the Long Beach Senior/Community Center on Magnolia
Boulevard in her name in recognition of her devotion to the citizens of
Long Beach, both young and old; she was uniquely the recipient of both
the Stephanie Joyce Kahn Foundation's Special Angel Award and its Dr.
Stanley and Carolyn Kahn Humanitarian Award; and the Nassau County
Legislature's Trailblazer Award for the New Millennium presented to her
for her work inspiring women also held great significance for her; and
WHEREAS, Over her meritorious life Pearl Weill gave abundantly of her
time and talents in support of a multitude of worthy endeavors to

enhance the quality of life of her much loved Long Beach community and
distinguished herself as a woman of sincere dedication and substantial
contribution; as a woman of values and commitment, she inspired and
enhanced the lives of her family and many friends who will long honor
her memory; and
WHEREAS, Pearl Weill was predeceased by her devoted husband of 67
years, Max Weill, who passed away in February 2008; in addition to her
loving son, Barry Weill, she is survived by a brother, Marvin Haber of
Dayton, Ohio, and a sister, Theresa Sussman of Miami; and
WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon
its records this tribute to the memory of Pearl Weill, that future
generations may know and appreciate her many accomplishments, her admi-
rable character and the esteem in which she was held; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
celebrate the life of Pearl Weill, recognizing the significance of her
service to the citizens of Long Beach, Nassau County, Long Island and
the State of New York, and expressing its deepest condolences to her
family; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Pearl Weill.