Pearl Alice Permut

Pearl Alice Permut passed away on May 6, 2020 and will be laid to rest on May 12,
2020, at Hillside Memorial Park. She joins her beloved husband, Lee Permut, and their
eldest son, Arthur who predeceased her in 2017 and 1976 respectively.! !
Pearl was born in Utica, New York to Arthur Levinson and Sara Reba Silverman. She
was the youngest of three children and demonstrated a zeal for education and a desire
to contribute to the betterment of the world around her. Pearl lost her much adored older
brother, Paul Levinson, on the battlefield during World War II. She had wanted to
become a nurse, but due to familial constraints and challenges posed by the war, she
was unable to pursue that dream. However, her giving nature persisted and she came
to channel that energy and compassion into raising her family and into various
philanthropic activities throughout her life.! !
Pearl met the love of her life, Lee Permut, in 1949, and the two were married shortly
thereafter, their partnership lasting an impressive 67 years. Pearl and Lee spent the
early years of their marriage in Roslyn, New York, where they raised their three children.
She was a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader, and an active volunteer at the Braille
Institute, helping the newly blind transition and learn Braille. In 1965 Pearl and her
family moved to Homby Hills, California, where their house served as a frequent
meeting spot for the kids in the neighborhood.! !
Pearl and Lee spent a great deal of time in Palm Springs upon purchasing a second
home there in 1973. They enjoyed their time in the desert so much that they eventually
became full time residents. Pearl lived an active and engaged life in Palm Springs
entertaining family, hosting holiday dinners, and engaging in a number of good works in
the community. She volunteered at the local public schools teaching reading to
disadvantaged children, and was also very active in Animal Samaritans, acting as the
pet coordinator for the upper Valley and regularly bringing dogs to visit elderly patients
at nursing homes throughout Palm Desert. Pearl believed passionately in the emotional
support and joy that dogs provided to people, and she had many dogs over the years
whom she loved deeply.! !
Tragically, Pearl’s 24 year old son Arthur was killed by a drunk driver in 1976. This loss
led Pearl and Lee to establish the Arthur H. Permut Memorial Park and Playground at
Angel View, a non profit serving children and adults with disabilities, in the desert. Pearl
and Lee continued their support of Angel View during the 42 years they lived in Palm
Springs, and were heartened to see the children there enjoying the playground and
court.! !
Pearl leaves behind her devoted son, David Permut, (John Sieber), and daughter, Paula
Mines (Steven Mines,) as well as, granddaughters Ashley Mines (Brad Moore) and
Rebecca Mines (Lee Nunley) and eldest brother Sidney Levinson.! !
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Angel View or Animal Samaritians, charities
close to Pearl’s heart.!