WEISBAUM, Pearl Hannah

Date of death: January 22, 2026

A graveside service will be held January 26, 2026 3:30 pm at the Adas Israel Cemetery 575 Old York Road, Burlington, Ontario.  

Live stream of service: https://www.mgxproductions.com/stream/PHWeisbaum/

Pearl Hannah Weisbaum (née Tuszynski) was born in London, England, on May 9, 1931, the only child of Israel Tuszynski and Yetta Marx. She attended East Ham Grammar School for Girls and went on to study at Bingley College, where she trained as a teacher. While still in high school, she met her future husband, David, and they married in 1954.

In 1958, Pearl and David emigrated to Canada, first settling in Devon, Alberta, where Pearl taught public school. They later raised their three children—Melvin, Karen, and Simon. Pearl’s lifelong love of learning led her to further studies in library science at Sheridan College.

Pearl’s early life was shaped by hardship. Just before WWII when Pearl was a small child, Israel returned to Europe and the family was separated.  Many years later, and having not known her father, Pearl learned that she had a half-sister and two half-brothers in Germany, as well as several nieces, all of whom she embraced. In later years, she took great joy in discovering that she had extended family across the world.

Teaching, books, music, and history—especially genealogy—remained enduring passions throughout her life. Her greatest love, however, was teaching English to newcomers to Canada. Her students cared deeply for her, and her home was filled with photographs of her classes over the years, along with many treasured gifts from those whose lives she had touched.

Pearl was a person of deep and abiding faith who believed strongly in the power of prayer. Although she experienced many challenges and disappointments, she never doubted that she was being guided by Hashem. She also had a remarkable ability to focus on the positive. Long before it was widely discussed or supported by research, Pearl consciously practiced gratitude, giving thanks for life’s simplest blessings—a good meal, a warm bed, and a roof overhead.

She will also be remembered for her compassionate nature and her gift for offering strength, understanding, and encouragement to others, especially in times of need. Pearl is fondly remembered by several long-time friends, whose kindness and presence were a source of comfort and support to her in her later years, especially Heather, Kelly, and Ken who will cherish her memory.

Sincere thanks are offered to those who cared for Pearl in recent years, especially during her final weeks in long-term care, and most particularly to the devoted personal support workers who were at her side around the clock.

In lieu of flowers, friends may wish to make a donation to the charity of their choice in Pearl’s name, perhaps to organizations that support literacy in their communities.