Pearl Altman

Pearl Grenader Altman, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away at the age of 83 on May 20, 2017 surrounded by her loved ones.Pearl was born on November 24, 1933 to Ida and Isadore Grenader and grew up in Houston with her 3 older brothers, Joseph, Max, and Harry Grenader.Pearl leaves behind to cherish her memory, her beloved husband Sigmund E. Altman, and children: Elliot and Ronni Altman, daughters, Alyssa and Sarena; Andrea and Alan Croft, children Mitchell and Jennifer; Michelle and Stephen Maislin, children Robert, Jonathan, Jeremy, and Allison. Pearl and Sig were married for 62 years. Pearl’s greatest joy was her family that she loved dearly.Pearl attended McGregor Grade School, Johnston Jr. High, and San Jacinto High School. Pearl was offered a scholarship to attend Julliard Conservatory in New York as an accomplished pianist, however decided to attend the University of Texas in Austin to be closer to family.Pearl was a leader and a worker for the organizations that were meaningful to her.  She joined and worked for B’nai B’rith Women, the Houston Symphony, ORT, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Natural Science, to name a few. Her primary focus was centered on her lifelong membership to Beth Yeshurun and her love for Hadassah. At Beth Yeshurun, she spent many years teaching and working in the office, the library, for Sisterhood, or wherever help was needed. Years ago, Beth Yeshurun started a seniors’ group called YES: Youthful Energetic Seniors. Pearl was a vital part of this group and planned the Wednesday programming for the monthly meetings.Pearl was a 30-year plus member of Hadassah. She first joined Emma Lazarus and was a member for several years. She was later affiliated with the Szold group where she held many positions, including president for 5 years. After presidency, the Houston Chapter appointed her advisor to 3 groups: Mazal, Marc Chagall and Szold all at the same time. Her proudest moment was when she made all of her daughters and granddaughters Life Members.  She even made Sig an Associate Life Member as well.Pearl was a beautiful soul who touched the lives of everyone she met. She never met a stranger. Her smile would light up a room and made everyone feel special and loved. Pearl had the biggest heart for all, but especially for her beloved Sig, her children, and grandchildren.She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.A graveside service will be held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery, 1037 N. Post Oak Rd, Houston, Texas, 77055 with Rabbi David Rosen and Cantor Meir Finkelstein officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in memory of Pearl Altman to Houston Hadassah, http://www.hadassah.org; Congregation Beth Yeshurun, http://BethYeshurun.org; or the charity of your choice.