[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 14, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E798]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    DALLAS LOSES A COMMITTED CITIZEN

                                 ______


                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 1996

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, sadly today, I must 
report the loss of a friend, supporter, and committed citizen, Elsie 
Cohen Pearle. Mrs. Pearle, passed away at her Dallas home this past 
week following a battle with cancer.
  Born as Elsie Cohen in Pittsburgh, she graduated from Schenley High 
School. Shortly afterward, she met and married Stanley Pearle. The 
couple moved to Texas after Dr. Pearle graduated from optometry school 
and she became very involved in the family's optometry businesses, 
which preceded the founding of Pearle Vision optical stores. She worked 
as an executive for the firm and handled all of the advertising.
  Elsie Cohen Pearle was a charter life member of the National Council 
of Jewish Women, Greater Dallas section and she has been described by 
her friends and associates as a tireless and inspiring leader in the 
fundraising efforts of that organization. In Dallas, however, Mrs. 
Pearle was best known for her love of art and her support of numerous 
organizations. She was a member of the Dallas Jewish Historical 
Society, the League of Women Voters, the National Organization for 
Women, and Emily's List. She also chaired the women's division campaign 
of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas. She has also been active in 
every national political campaign since 1960. She attended State 
Democratic conventions and cochaired breakfasts, luncheons, and art 
shows on behalf of many political candidates.
  In 1988 she was honored with the Israel Bonds Woman of Valor Award, 
and she and her husband were awarded the Torch of Conscience Award by 
the Dallas Chapter of the American Jewish Congress. Mrs. Pearle 
formerly served on the aesthetics committee of Temple Emanu-El, where 
she also served on the board of the music committee. She was to have 
been honored in November as the first honorary chairwoman of the 
National Council of Jewish Women's Gala Affair in Dallas.
  Elsie, you will be missed.

                          ____________________