Obituary for Marla Joyce Perlman
Marla Joyce Perlman (nee Siegel) passed away on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at the age of 84. She is survived by her children, Rabbi Jonathan (Beth Kissileff) Perlman, Abigail (Alan) Hoffman, and Susannah Perlman; her siblings, Risa Grossman and Dr. Charles (Lori) Siegel; her grandchildren, Tova Perlman, Josh Hoffman, Yael Perlman, Sidra Hoffman, and Ada Perlman. She was predeceased by her husband Dr. Lawrence Perlman and her parents David and Ada Siegel.
Marla grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin but spent most of her adult life in Pittsburgh. She received a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Wisconsin and a master's degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh. Professionally, she was a teacher, a community organizer, a social worker, and a volunteer coordinator.
She held leadership positions in her neighborhood political groups including the local Democratic party and the Shadyside Action Coalition. Jewish life was very important to her and she was an active member of Jewish organizations including the National Council for Jewish Women and her synagogues Rodef Shalom and New Light Congregation. Marla studied Hebrew for her Bat Mitzvah at age 60 and ran Rodef Shalom's Jewish movie series and Purim Megillah reading adult service for many years.
Marla was a smart, creative, and community-minded woman who valued lifelong learning and collaboration. She believed in the importance of bringing people together and started the Pittsburgh chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Club and the support group Single Women in Mid-Life. She participated in Osher adult learning classes and taught a cooking class. Marla frequently vacationed with her family at the Chautauqua Institution, NY, and started the popular Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat service there. Her family was her pride and joy. Marla was a devoted wife, loving mother, and caring grandmother. She will be missed by all who knew her.
If you would like to make a contribution in memory of Marla Perlman, we ask that you either contribute to the Pennsylvania Democratic Committee or New Light Congregation and specify that you are donating in her memory.
Marla grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin but spent most of her adult life in Pittsburgh. She received a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Wisconsin and a master's degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh. Professionally, she was a teacher, a community organizer, a social worker, and a volunteer coordinator.
She held leadership positions in her neighborhood political groups including the local Democratic party and the Shadyside Action Coalition. Jewish life was very important to her and she was an active member of Jewish organizations including the National Council for Jewish Women and her synagogues Rodef Shalom and New Light Congregation. Marla studied Hebrew for her Bat Mitzvah at age 60 and ran Rodef Shalom's Jewish movie series and Purim Megillah reading adult service for many years.
Marla was a smart, creative, and community-minded woman who valued lifelong learning and collaboration. She believed in the importance of bringing people together and started the Pittsburgh chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Club and the support group Single Women in Mid-Life. She participated in Osher adult learning classes and taught a cooking class. Marla frequently vacationed with her family at the Chautauqua Institution, NY, and started the popular Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat service there. Her family was her pride and joy. Marla was a devoted wife, loving mother, and caring grandmother. She will be missed by all who knew her.
If you would like to make a contribution in memory of Marla Perlman, we ask that you either contribute to the Pennsylvania Democratic Committee or New Light Congregation and specify that you are donating in her memory.