Pearl Oliner

November 30, 1931 - February 6, 2021

Pearl Merkur Oliner passed away on February 6, 2021, a few months after suffering a stroke. She is survived by her loving husband of over six decades, Sam, as well as her three devoted sons and their families: Ron and Kristen, and their children Evan and Daniel; David and Liz, and their children 4illiam, Harrison and Lauren; and Ian and Valerie, and their children Adam and Jason. She is also survived by her beloved late brother’s wife, Ruth, her niece Rhona (Paul), great-niece Elyse, and nephew Bruce (Janylyn).

Pearl was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1931. She was an excellent student who graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Brooklyn College while earning a degree from the Jewish Theological Seminary at the same time. She earned a Masters and PhD from the University of California, Berkeley. Pearl went on to become a professor at Humboldt State University, where she taught for over 35 years, mentoring many teachers and students. She was awarded HSU’s Scholar of the Year prize in 1990 along with many other awards for academic excellence. Pearl was an author in the field of Education and together with her husband, co-authored a number of books and articles on Altruism and Rescuers during the Holocaust. Pearl’s individual area of interest was in the teaching of pro-social behavior in the humanities. Pearl and Sam established the Institute for the Study of Altruism and Pro-Social Behavior at HSU.

Pearl always enjoyed rigorous conversations. She was an avid reader who loved the New York Times and other newspapers. She was famous among family and friends for her friendly cross-examining, always done with genuine care and interest. Pearl was a strong believer in the importance of community, and her generous and wise nature touched many. Pearl was devoted to her husband and was immensely proud of her sons, daughters-inlaw, and seven grandchildren.

For the last six years Pearl lived with Alzheimer’s, but the disease never dimmed her loving nature or her sense of humor.

Due to Covid restrictions, the funeral will be private. The family plans to hold a celebration of Pearl’s life when it is safe to do so.