Pearl was such a blessing to myself and my family in so many ways. She faithfully ministered the love of Jesus to each of my four children in the pre-school class at Zion Christian Church. She was always there on Sunday mornings to lovingly accept our children into her class and give Lena, my wife, a word of encouragement as she navigated mothering four young children.  I later had the honor of being the Children's Pastor at Zion and was blessed to have Pearl on the Children's Ministry Leadership Team. She was such a faithful leader and always supportive and full of joy. Her heartfelt desire was to feed the Word of God to His little "lambs".  Her relationship with the Lord was one of closeness and vibrancy. She loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, mind and strength and truly did love others unconditionally and passionately. Her heartfelt desire was to feed the Word of God to His little "lambs" so they too could experience the same love, joy and peace of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Pearl, we will see you again!

Aunt pearl was always full of smiles and hugs on each trip to detroit. I shall miss the stories she shared of my aunts and uncles growing up, the yard games we played at family gatherings and the time she visited us. 

Pearl always had a smile for everyone.  She was a bright ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.  She was always there to comfort you or encourage you when you shared a concern with her.  We ministered with Pearl for a number of years in the Childen's Ministry at Zion Christian Church, in the Nursery,  Summer Camps, Zion Christian School , Home Care group, and special programs.  She shared the love of Jesus with the children, always with a smile and a tender voice, with lots of patience and hugs.  A faithful servant of the Lord.  She was also a good friend to our family, along with her husband, Bob, and sons, Michael and Chris.  Our children grew up together at Zion Christian School and the Church.  We consider it an honor and a privilege to have ministered with sister Pearl and we will miss her.  But we know that she is rejoicing in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus.  We will see her again!

I Corinthians 13:7 tells us  that love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,  and endures all things.  The last phrase describes my mom. As a mom of two boys, she had to endure a lot. She put up with all the stuff my brother and I threw at her and always kept a loving attitude towards us. We used to play ball in our back yard. As a result, her flowers were always run over. She never once complained. She was just glad we were safe. I know for sure  mom loved her family and lived to take care of us. She would sacrifice her time and energy whenever we needed her.  I love you mom; I know you are with Jesus now. 


I was blessed to receive from the Lord a righteous wife. The last 47 years have truly been a blessing for me and our two boys.  I know you are in the loving arms of Jesus free from all pain. I will see you again one day. Until then, I love you, Pearl.   

Well, how does one close the door on your life with your mother….. the answer is you simply don’t. She lives forever in my heart and is reflected in my actions of everyday life. She was there to comfort me when I was scared, she was there to guide me through school and life, she supported me, even though we didn’t always see eye to eye. She was the meal preparer, chauffer, coach, mentor, nurturer, doctor, adviser, friend. She was tolerant, patient, kind, forgiving, understanding, loving, sacrificing….. My mother. 
I remember a time when I was very young and very ill. My mother had to wake up at all hours of the night to give me medicine. All I wanted to do was fall asleep, but I couldn’t because I had to stay awake to take the medicine. My mother asked me all sorts of odd questions to keep me awake. I recall that she asked me where I lived, my reply was “On an island!!” To keep me awake, she went on and on describing the island I lived on…. Island Maffesoli!!
I will always love you mom! Thank you for everything you’ve done and all you’ve taught me throughout the years. I truly miss you. 


When I was  young and Pearl would leave for work I would cry, I  didn't want her to go. Mom would have to call Pearl on the phone so I could talk to her, so that I would calm down. Pearl loved spending time with family and friends.  She always opened her heart to you when you needed someone to talk to. She always knew how to make you smile. She always welcomed you into her home.  We had some fun times, picnics, family gatherings and vacations. I will always keep Pearl in my heart.

Pearl enjoyed spending time with the family. Growing up,  Sarah, Peter, Pearl and I  played board games and crazy eights. Sometimes, the entire family would sit in the kitchen and play Rummy.  We would always have tons of fun laughing and seeing who could go out first! As we grew older, Pearl's love for family time never changed. We had some great picnics, holidays and special occasions together. I will never forget those good times of eating, laughing and singing! Her laughter and warm smile will never be forgotten! 

I remember when Pearl would come to visit us we would read our Mom’s magazines together on the couch or chair those were good memories. I also remember we were the clean  up crew when we had our family dinners. We made it fun cleaning up together. I miss her very much. 

OBITUARY

Pearl Joanne Maffesoli

August 12, 1949 – April 11, 2018

Edward Swanson & Son Funeral Home

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