Obituary: Marilyn Pearlman - Atlanta Jewish Times

Marilyn Pearlman was a go-getter, a tiny tornado who got things done. Whether leading a non-profit organization, promoting a product, or ushering at The Temple, she always gave her best. Marilyn died April 3 from complications of a stroke. She was 77.

Born in Memphis, she graduated from Central High School followed by Rhodes College with a degree in English. Growing up in Memphis, she was a member of Temple Israel and Reena BBG. After college, she moved to Atlanta where she taught English briefly. A novice in PR, Marilyn volunteered for community organizations, newspapers, and radio and TV stations.

Her first PR job was with the Atlanta Housing Authority, writing human interest stories. By the late 1970s, she launched Pearlman Associates Public Relations. As CEO, she created and publicized Women’s Career Weekend; she also served as publicist for Limelight Entertainment Complex, a nightclub and Atlanta’s answer to Studio 54 of New York.

Although clients loved her ability to sell their product, they also respected her know-how and engaging personality.

She was president of the Buckhead Kiwanis Club and the Northeast Council of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce; board member of the Atlanta Lions Club, American Cancer Society, the World Trade Center, the Jewish National Fund, and the Atlanta Women’s Alliance.

A dog lover, Marilyn volunteered for Canine Companions, Animals Deserve Better, FurKids, and the Atlanta Dog Rescue Games.

In the 1970s, she flew to Newcastle, England, as part of the Friendship Force and Atlanta Sister Cities Commission, serving as ambassador from Atlanta.

Closer to home, she was executive director of the Atlanta Press Club and founder of the Philanthropy Club at the Buckhead Club.

A true workaholic, she was busy even when away from work. She was an aerobics addict and loved ballet, symphony, theater, opera, travel, and enjoying her favorite canine companions: Lucky and the many dogs she mothered in her pet-sitting business.

Finally, Marilyn was a dear friend and compassionate person. When you entered a room with Marilyn, you would meet everyone, because she had already become their friend.

She is predeceased by her parents, Liverne (Albert) and Harry Pearlman, and is survived by her sister, Joanne (Pearlman) Fleetwood (Dennis); her niece, Katie Fleetwood; her companion, Gary Leshaw; and Lucky, her hound dog rescue.

A memorial service was held April 15, at 1:30 p.m. at The Temple, 1589 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta 30309. Donations may be made to Canine Companions, canine.org; or Life House Atlanta, lifehouseatlanta.org (assistance to families of medically challenged children), or your favorite charity. Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

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