Pearl Ruder Lazarus

LAZARUS: Pearl Ruder Lazarus, age 94, died of cardiac arrest on Tuesday August 2, 2016, at West Penn Hospital. Beloved mother of Penny Cyd Lazarus. Pearl was predeceased by her husband Norman Nathan Lazarus, her son Lee Sandy Lazarus and her siblings Ceal Karavitz, Sidney Ruder, Morris Ruder, Nate Ruder, Edward Ruder, Sam Ruder and Esther Ruder Landis. Surviving to honor her memory along with Penny is her husband, Joshua Reid Faigen, grandsons Adlai Paul Lazarus Faigen and Max Norman Faigen of Newburyport, Mass., her sister Hilda Bell of Squirrel Hill and many nieces and nephews. Pearl was a leader in women returning to the workplace after the birth of her children, equally managing home, extended family and career. Pearl was an outstanding straight A student in high school and while she never had the opportunity to attend college, her work as a bookkeeper led her to rise quickly to an executive position as treasurer and comptroller for Jendoco Construction Corporation for over 20 years. Her first child, Lee, was born in 1953 with developmental disabilities, at a time when specialized schooling was nonexistent. Pearl, her husband Norman and a small group of parents created a school for young people with intellectual disabilities in the basement of Congregation Poale Zedeck in Squirrel Hill. Pearl was also an avid mah jongg, poker, bingo and card player, beating the odds of winning more often than not with mathematical and strategic skill, and a dose of plain old lady luck. Services were held at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc. Interment Temple Sinai Memorial Park. Contributions may be made to Achieva, the local Pittsburgh branch of The ARC in support of programs for people with disabilities, “A Home of My Own” and Early Intervention at 711 Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. schugar.com

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