OBITUARY
Lauren Sterling Perlman
August 18, 1967 – December 4, 2012
Lauren Sterling Perlman, age 45, left this world after a courageous battle with breast cancer on December 4, 2012, surrounded by her family and closest friends at her home in Pinecrest. Lauren was a stunningly beautiful, bright, sensitive, and caring wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. Throughout her life, Lauren exhibited an indomitable fighting spirit. Her way was to find a way, overcoming any obstacle in her path. She demanded excellence from herself and from everyone else. A devoted wife to Jonathan and loving mother to Zachary and Lindsey, Lauren lived her life for her family. Lauren was the most extraordinary mother in the world to her children. When she decided to leave the professional world to devote herself entirely to her family, she created a nurturing and loving environment in the home. Though her time with them was cut short, she imparted more of her life lessons and beliefs in the few years they had together than most people can do if given a lifetime. She put her passion for life into everything she did from an early age, from her time as a cheerleader at Palmetto High School to her days at Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority at the University of Florida. Lauren always made a personal connection with those around her and charmed them with her eternal optimism, sense of humor and her generous spirit. In 1993, she married the love of her life, Jonathan Perlman, and their 19-year marriage only got stronger and deeper with each passing year. Together, they shared their passion for sports including countless Dolphin and Miami Heat games as well as annual ski trips, boating, scuba diving, and many fun-loving family adventures. After receiving her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and her MBA in Finance from the University of Miami, Lauren traveled up the ranks and held management positions at companies such as Southeast Bank, Ryder Corporation and Assurant Group, where she served as Vice President of Finance. Eventually, she took on her most rewarding job, home schooling her daughter Lindsey for two years while undergoing chemotherapy at the same time. Although Lauren’s battle with breast cancer started at the age of 35 and went into remission for six years, she was able to use her experiences to mentor and touch the lives of many women affected by this disease. Lauren was active in breast cancer support groups, encouraging others to never give up and fight through the adversity. An avid runner, Lauren found tremendous strength with each step, with each mile, with each stretch of her journey. Lauren amazed her doctors and friends by running before each chemotherapy session, including her very last. She will always be remembered for her determination, courage and strength that never wavered even during the most difficult of circumstances. She was a life force and will be missed by everyone she touched. A third-generation Miamian, Lauren was blessed with loving and supportive parents, Dr. Robert and Nancy Pepper Sterling and two amazing brothers, Lee (Kim) and Craig (Janie) who will forever remember her as their “kid” sister - a soccer star and cheerleader at K-Land Park in Kendall. She is also survived by loving brother and sister-in-laws Andrew and Leslie Perlman and Wendy Perlman and Peter Antoszyk. Lauren is also survived by her mother-in-law Rita Perlman; nieces and nephews: Sydney, Brooke, Daniel, Matthew, Jill, Justin, Jordan, Tyler Trevor, Todd and Timothy. She is predeceased by her father, Dr. Robert Sterling, and father-in-law David Perlman. A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Temple Beth David Congregation, 2625 SW 3rd Avenue. The service will be followed by internment at Mt. Nebo Miami, 5505 N.W. 3rd Street. Immediately after the internment, Shiva will be observed and on Saturday
Services
PREVIOUS SERVICES:
- Beth David Congregation Friday, December 7, 2012
PREVIOUS SERVICES:
- Shiva following interment until sundown, resuming Saturday at 6:30 PM
REMEMBERING
Lauren Sterling Perlman
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RECEIVE UPDATESSharon and Neal Stebbing
December 22, 2012
Everyone that got to spend time with Lauren knew what a special individual she was and will treasure their memories, as I know you all will. She gave all she could in the time she had and will live on forever in so many different ways for so many people. We were all honored to have had some of her precious time.
Our thoughts are with you all
Sharon and Neal Stebbing
Jorge Gata
December 20, 2012
Jonathan:
I was very sad to hear of Lauren's passing. Yours and Lee's family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Debbie Cohen
December 18, 2012
I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. Although I never met Lauren, I know she must have been something special. I know she will always live in your memories and in your hearts. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Jill Kaplan
December 17, 2012
Lauren, I miss you.....
I was so lucky to have gotten to know you. You were - and always will be - one of the most special blessings in my life.
Jill
Steven Solomon
December 11, 2012
Jonathan-
While it has been a number years since I last saw Lauren, my memory of her is vivid. She was such a kind, bright and engaging person. I remember you as Lauren's cheerleader, always placing her on a deserved pedestal. When I heard the news today, I was so shocked and sad to hear about what you have been going through and am overwhelmed by this tragedy. You and you family are in my thoughts.
Laurie Flink
December 10, 2012
Laurie Flink
December 10, 2012
Laurie Flink
December 10, 2012
Laurie Flink
December 10, 2012
Greg McKhann
December 10, 2012
Jonathan, we are very sorry to hear about Lauren's passing. Your family and the Sterlings will be in our thoughts and prayers. It was a priviledge getting to know Lauren, she will be missed.
Doug Horner
December 9, 2012
Jonathan,
Cynthia and I were saddened to hear of Lauren's passing, as were all of us in your extended "Duke family." At times like this, I especially regret the geographic separation that prevents face to face meetings, or even a hug. We hope the thoughts and prayers of so many for you and your children will be of some comfort in this difficult time.
Debbie Covitz
December 8, 2012
I met Lauren on my 1st day of graduate school at the Univ. of Miami. We became instant friends. I remember two of her quirks, 1: how much sugar packets she puts into coffee 2: how she does not sign greeting cards so you can re-gift the card you received. We were both at each other's weddings, a very precious day to both of us. This was a very hard few days for me as this is my first "peer" to be affected by this horrible disease. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Perlman and Sterling families. May there always be a silver lining when thinking of our dear, "Lauren."
December 8, 2012
Jonathan:
I'm so sorry to hear about this. Though I did not have the privilege to meet Lauren, she must have been an exceptional person. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Ron Wainshal
Scott & Kathy Jacobs
December 8, 2012
Jonathan -
Very sorry to hear of Lauren's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
December 8, 2012
Deepest condolences to Jon and family. My His grace and mercy rest mightily upon you during this time of trial.
In His Love,
Rev. Dr. Michael T. "Digger" Peyton
LT, CHC, USN (Retired)
Ashley Wright-Kurau
December 8, 2012
To Mrs. Sterling and the Sterling Family: I was incredibly sad to read about Lauren's passing. I will treasure my memories of her friendship from our junior year of high school and am so grateful that after so many years we were able to reconnect again through Facebook. I offer my sincerest condolences to you all during this time. She was such a beautiful person and so obviously loved by many. My best to you all, Ashley (Wright)Kurau
December 7, 2012
Jon:
There are no words. We are all so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and sympathies are with you and your extended family during this time.
Jamie Koch
Therese Carey
December 7, 2012
Jonathan, I'm very sad to hear of Lauren's passing. You and your children will be in my prayers as you navigate through the difficult days ahead.
Mary Joyce-Wilburn
December 7, 2012
So sad to read of Lauren's passing. I have wonderful memories of cheerleading together at Palmer. She had such a bright, beautiful smile and kind, loving heart. My heartfelt condolences to the Sterling and Perlman families.
December 7, 2012
Very sorry to read of Lauren's passing in The Herald. Remember her well from my days at Palmer. Very sorry for the family's loss and best wishes to all.
Respectfully,
Ed & Karen McLean
Ft. Pierce, FL
Lisa Steinberg
December 7, 2012
Lauren... was a beautiful person in mind, body, and spirit. She truly will be missed by all. My heart and prays to her loving family.
December 7, 2012
Jonathan, what sad news. I am familiar with this journey you now face along with your children, and with those who were close during Lauren's illness. May you find peace and solace, even though that may seem unimaginable at this time. With affection, Tim Walter.
judy cook
December 7, 2012
sweet lauren....funny lauren....loving lauren...how we will miss her. everyone talks about her smile....i nurtured that smile as her hygienist from 3 years old. so beautiful inside and out. my heart goes out to nancy, jonathan, zach, lindsey, lee and family, craig and family, aunt judy and uncle stan and all her friends. i have wonderful memories that i will visit often and know you all will finds smiles again when thinking of this amazing woman. rest in peace. much love, judy barry cook
Terry Silbert-Coulton
December 7, 2012
I am so sorry for your lost. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your Cousin
Aliza Bricklin
December 7, 2012
Jonathan,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Aliza Bricklin & Andy Schwab
SJ R
December 7, 2012
Just a friend of a friend who wants you to know I admired Lauren just from reading her story. My prayers are with your families.
Rocky Blount
December 7, 2012
I am so sorry, I admire the courage Lauren has shown to support surviviors.
Sandie De Leonardo-LoBue
December 7, 2012
Remembering Lauren from Palmetto, she was always smiling and sweet.
My deepest sympathies to the family. God Bless!
December 7, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very sad time~Lauren was an amazing woman, and a beautiful mother, sister and friend. She will be missed terribly~
~Beth Brockway-Serrate
Michael Greenberg
December 7, 2012
Jonathan,
We extend our deepest sympathies to you and your children.
Shari Palant-Migicovsky
December 6, 2012
To Lauren's family and friends, my deepest thoughts and prayers are with you. What a wonderful life and light that was cut too short.
John Tate . . .
December 6, 2012
Brother Jonathan - I'm so sorry to hear about Lauren. I hope you will find comfort and peace in this terrible time. My deepest condolences to everyone in the Perlman and Sterling families.
December 6, 2012
My deepest thoughts and prayers to the Sterling and Perlman families. Joanie Sturge
Jackie Murphy-walker
December 6, 2012
my thoughts and prayers go out to Her family and children..I did not know her personally but, I remember from Palmetto..so very sorry that her life was cut so short..
Julie Tamburino
December 6, 2012
My deepest condolences to all of you...K-land came right to my mind when hearing of this...much love and prayers to all of you…
December 6, 2012
Lauren was a mother who nurtured & inspired everyone around her. I will always be touched by her smile and remember fondly watching our children grow up together through their elementary years .
Keile & Kaitlin Schwartz
Hart Baur
December 6, 2012
To the Sterling family, our deepest prayers and thoughts. Lauren was so full of life and a great person. One thing IO always remember about her at Palmer was her smile. Was always on and maybe the school a better place. We can only hope that everyone finds peace with this tragic event.
Nikki Christian Fink
December 6, 2012
When I heard the news about Lauren, I was heartbroken. I remember how she brought a bright spirit and strong passion to everything she did, both during HS while cheering and then later in life when we were both dating the Perlman brothers. Such a special life ended early, especially a special mother and wife like Lauren, reminds me of how fragile life truly is. My family's thoughts and prayers are with her entire family during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.
Judy Kowalski
December 6, 2012
I met Lauren thru my daughter, Trisha. They started working together at Southeast Bank and remained friends. Lauren always had a beautiful smile and could light up a room. She fought her illness with great courage. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. My daughter will always miss her wonderful friend but will never forget her. God Bless you.
December 6, 2012
Lauren was a life force and I will always remember what her life stood for. Her family has my love and support for the upcoming days, weeks, and years.