Biography:

Pearl Madeline Chisolm nee Abramson was born in New York City, N.Y. on August 16, 1927, to the late Ferdinand and Mary Ella Abramson. She was the first-born child of their three children. She was predeceased by her brother and sister.

Pearl would spend her entire life in New York City. She would attend Hunter College receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work in 1953. Upon completion of her education, she would go to work for the City of New York as a Social Worker. Pearl was a Social Worker for 40 years. In 1994 she retired from the City of New York in the capacity of supervisor. Pearl tirelessly spent her

professional career helping the residents of New York and successfully managing those who would follow in her footsteps. 

In 1954, as she studied and worked, she married the love of her life, Adam Oliver Chisolm. She would enjoy 52 years of blissful marriage until Adam’s passing. From this union they would have two children: Darryl Anthony Chisolm in 1957 who would precede her in death and Carol Ellen Chisolm in 1961. Pearl made her life in Harlem with her husband and children. She led a very active life and shared this characteristic with her family. She involved her kids in camps, dancing, private schools, travel and any other activity that would better their futures. Pearl stayed focused on working hard, taking care of her husband and with her husband giving their children everything they needed and wanted.

Pearl found time for herself by joining and becoming a lifetime member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She was active in the New York chapter Delta Mu Zeta. On Saturdays she found time to go to her monthly meetings creating and donating her services to the cause. Pearl would become lifelong friends with her sisters. They traveled and socialized together all her life long.

Pearl spent the last three years of her life in Tyngsboro, MA. with her daughter and family, the only time she was out of New York City. Prior to that Pearl lived for 50 years at 626 Riverside Drive in New York with her family and by herself. She was an active and well-loved member of this community. She was a member of the Committee of Concern and a volunteer to oversee local and national elections. Everyone in the building knew Miss Pearl; when she was not traveling with her family or sorority sisters, she was down in the library room reading, watching TV, having coffee or just talking with her 626 family. She enjoyed life at every stage of her life, always sharing her wisdom, kindness and love with everyone in her life. Pearl will be missed but God has called her home. 

Pearl leaves to cherish her memory and mourn her absence: daughter and son-in-law Carol Chisolm and Lee Richardson; daughter-in-law Karen Bridgett; three grandchildren, Kendra Chisolm, Kyle Richardson and Dana Richardson; dear friends, Leatrice Brown and Irene P. Farrar and a host of relatives and friends.