Bess (Resnick) Perlmutter

Bess (Resnick) Perlmutter of Canton, formerly of Newton and Stoughton, passed peacefully and surrounded by her beloved family on January 29, 2023 at 100 incredible years of age.

Adored wife of the late Melvin Perlmutter, for 71 spectacular years of pure happiness and boundless love. Devoted mother of Janet and John Schwartz and Marsha and Carl Shapiro. Admired beyond belief and known lovingly as Grandma to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Laura and Adam Zaks, the late Todd Schwartz, Amy Schwartz Messina and Tony Messina, Jordanna Shapiro, Daniel Shapiro, Teddy, Ellie, Leo, Erin and Matty. Bess’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy and they could not have loved her more.

Bess was born in Boston on January 11, 1923 as the youngest child of two to Leah and Joe (Laika and Yovel) Resnick. Bess fondly recalled stories, in great detail, from her childhood and her days working as a young girl at her father’s store in the South End where the importance of family was deeply instilled in her; a value she effortlessly shared with her beloved Melvie. While she missed him dearly since his passing, Bess spoke of Mel often, always with a smile, remembering their beautiful life together. Their first date was a blind date where he appeared at her front door and “he was shining” as she put it. They dined at Carl’s Duck Farm where things went so wonderfully, they went there for their second date as well. Their love was one for the ages and Bess’s family finds peace in knowing that they are reunited, happily eating ice cream, golfing and playing cards, together again.

For all those lucky enough to have known Bess or even for those who met her only briefly, you will surely remember some of her greatest lessons as she shared her views on the world quite openly. Live life to the fullest, eat all the things that are “absolutely delicious”, there’s something fabulous about “just a taste” of cold beer shared with good company, getting a manicure is about looking as good as you feel no matter your age, travel as much as possible while you can because the world is a beautiful place, laugh often, tell your loved ones what they mean to you at every chance you get, remember that family is the most important thing in life, and of course, have no regrets.

In lieu of a shiva, Bess wished for everyone to go for a walk to breathe in the fresh air, followed by enjoying a cocktail together to toast to her life well lived. Cheers to you, our Bessie, Bets, Dollface and “Sweethaht”. Your memory will surely be a blessing and so much more.

A Graveside Service will take place on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 11:30 AM at Mishkan Tefila Memorial Park, 2605 Centre Street, W. Roxbury. Funeral service will be livestreamed at https://tinyurl.com/Bess-Perlmutter.

In honor of Bess, please consider making a donation to one of the organizations she cared deeply about: The Laboratory of Loren Walensky (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave, Longwood Center 3216, Boston, MA 02215) and Hadassah: The Women’s Zionist Organization of America (www.hadassah.org/donate).