Pearl G. Needel

Pearl G. Needel (née Miller), beloved mother of Nancy L. Needel and the late Susan B. Needel. Devoted wife of the late A. Benjamin Needel, passed away February 6, 2026, after a long and meaningful life. She is predeceased by her four siblings.

Pearl celebrated her 100th birthday last May with characteristic grace and humor. She raised her family in Newton Centre, the community she loved and called home for the last 70 years.

For more than 20 years, Pearl worked as an office manager for Wilshire Manufacturing, a lighting company in Taunton, where she was known for her dedication and savvy business sense. Pearl was a founding member and President of the Chestnut Hill chapter of B’nai Brith, also actively involved in B’nai Brith Women. As a young mother and wife, she was a troop leader for her daughters’ clubs, made sure Judaism was recognized in the home and frequented Filenes Basement weekly for “unbelievable bargains.” And her love for the bargain continued throughout her incredible life. Pearl loved to travel and wintered in St. Maarten with her beloved cousin.

She embodied steadiness, along with warmth, honesty, and advice that was always thoughtful, often funny, and usually right. Pearl will be remembered for her strength, kindness, humor, and the deep love for her family. Though she will be deeply missed by so many, her voice and wisdom will undoubtedly continue to echo for generations to come.

Burial will be private and there will be no Shiva.

Donations in Pearl’s memory may be to the Holocaust Museum Boston: Holocaust Legacy Foundation, 18 Tremont Street, Suite #608 Boston, MA 02180, www.holocaustlegacyfoundation.org/donate