Mrs. Arlene L Pearlstine

COLUMBIA - Arlene Levy Pearlstine, longtime Columbia educator, passed away peacefully at 6:50 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2015, surrounded by her loving family. Graveside funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2015 at 2 p.m. in Hebrew Benevolent Cemetery, 720 Blanding St., conducting the service will be Rabbi Jonathan Case. Dunbar Funeral Home is assisting the family. Born in Columbia, S.C., on July 6, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Moe and Florence Hirshman Levy. Educated in the Columbia city schools, she was a magna cum laude graduate of the University of South Carolina. Her teaching career spanned 40 years, five in the Columbia city schools and 35 at Hammond School. Her students have repeatedly spoken of the positive impact she had on their lives. On an annual basis, she accompanied her math students to statewide competitions from which the team always emerged victorious. After retirement, she founded VIP Exclusives, a gift business which exhibited at many of the seasonal boutique shows. She and her husband Ben S. Pearlstine enjoyed their time together at the shows. Arlene and Ben Pearlstine were married on August 18, 1953 and shared a loving life centered around children and family. They instilled in their children the values necessary for success in life. She was a faithful member of Beth Shalom Synagogue and was proud of her Jewish heritage. Their travels took them to many worldwide destinations, but her favorite destination was New York City, where she reveled in the shopping and Broadway shows. Survivors include her devoted husband Ben Pearlstine; son Ira S. Pearlstine, M.D. and wife Amy Smith of Palm City, Florida; daughter, Terri P. Hodges and husband Robert of Columbia; grandchildren Zachary Fike Hodges and Jenna and Marisa Pearlstine. The youngest of three girls, Mrs. Pearlstine is also survived by her sister Gloria Rittenberg and husband Harold. Surviving nieces and nephews include Stephanie Cooper Schulman, Susan Balser Berry, Richard Balser, and Eileen Rittenberg. She will be sorely missed by her faithful dog Phoebe. The family would like to especially thank Rabbi Jonathan and Rivka Case for their love and support. Also appreciated is the excellent care provided by the staff of 11 West Palmetto Health Richland and the comfort provided by the Hospice staff. Deep appreciation also goes to Barbara Bates and Mary Goodwin. Donations, in lieu of flowers may be made to Beth Shalom Synagogue Bereavement Fund, 5827 N. Trenholm Rd., Columbia, SC 29206.