Pearl Bloom
Pearl Bloom, a beloved resident of Santa Barbara, passed away at 97 on July 1st, 2024 at Sarah House surrounded by friends and family. Born Pearl Kaufman on August 28, 1926 in the Bronx, New York. Pearl was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many.
Pearl is survived by her daughter Carol Dailey of Buellton, her son Harry Bloom of Poway, 7 grandsons, and 5 great-grandchildren with another on the way. Her son, Michael Bloom, passed away in 2019. This loss was deeply felt for the rest of her days.
After losing her husband, Bob, in 1973, Pearl found joy and fulfillment working at JW Robinsons, later known as Macy’s, at La Cumbre Plaza. She clothed and befriended four generations of Santa Barbarians during her forty five years of service. She will be fondly remembered at Macy’s as Santa Barbara’s one and only Jewish “Mrs. Claus” during the holidays. Families would line up to have their picture taken with her.
In 2009, Pearl survived a life-threatening accident that left many thinking she’d never walk again. However, she defied the odds and walked, drove, and eventually returned to work at Macy’s. She remained employed and involved in the community well into her 90s. She truly believed that the key to life was forward motion. Once healed, Pearl took time to visit others during rehabilitation to share her journey as a source of inspiration.
Pearl also shared with her extended family and countless friends many stories of her earlier life on the East Coast with her brothers Herbie and Leo. Her memories and tales of days gone by brought joy and laughter to all who listened, creating lasting bonds and cherished moments that will be treasured forever. She had an incredible memory with a special gift for detail. Her stories could paint a picture with words.
She shared memories of selling fruit with her father on New York’s Lower East Side by horse and buggy as a little girl, beach days with friends on Coney Island, raising her children in Connecticut, and her stories of traveling Europe by train.
She often discussed the vast differences and advancements the world made in her 97 years with us. She truly stayed connected to modern culture and took a special interest in current events, which gave her a youthful spirit rarely found in someone her age. It was infectious.
Pearl’s ability to connect with others through her stories was just another example of her warm and welcoming spirit. She will be remembered not only for her kindness and generosity but also for the joy and laughter she brought to those around her. She had a way of making everyone feel special and welcomed, always ready with a smile for everyone she met. She lived her life with an abundance of nachas.
The family would like to extend their deep gratitude to Paloma Espino, Carlos Lemus, the entire team at Sarah House as well as the entire team at Assisted Hospice Care. Their care, empathy and support for Pearl will never be forgotten. A special thank you to Cantor Mark Childs from Temple B’nai B’rith for the lasting friendship and love he had shown Pearl through the years.
Please consider a gift in Pearl’s memory to; dobiesandlittlepawsrescue.org and or sarahhousesb.com/donate
Pearl will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched with her love, acceptance, and compassion. She was truly one of a kind. May she rest in peace.
Please leave messages of love and condolence for the family on Pearl’s Tribute Page at www.mcdermottcrockett.com”