Pearl E. Burrows' Obituary
BURROWS, Pearl Elise (nee Salzer) - Our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother
passed away peacefully with family by her side on October 13, 2022, at the age of 105. Just one
month ago the entire family was able to attend her birthday festivities with her and are so
grateful to have those memories. Predeceased by her loving parents, John and Ellen, Pearl was
the beloved wife of her husband of 66 years, Ben Burrows, and was adoring mother to the late
Barbara Ellen Holman (Wayne) and Pamela Jane Murray (Jerry). Beloved grandmother of Ellen
Galczak (Jerry), Kim Maika (Neil), Mark Murray (Ashley) and great-grandmother to CJ Galczak
(Amy) and Kate Maika. Dear sister of the late Jack Salzer.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on September 20, 1917, she grew up with hard working, kind parents
who she adored. She had fond memories of her childhood and would tell stories of wonderful
times they would spend as a family. She discovered a love of dancing during her early teens,
and through this opportunity met Ben Burrows. They were married on October 16, 1937.
Extremely hard working herself, she assisted Ben doing the books for their business, Burrows
Wallpaper and Paint, as well as their custard stand, Zero Zest. Both Pearl and Ben were very
social people, enjoying bowling leagues, card games, friends and entertaining. We heard many
stories of their wonderful parties on Bramley Drive either sitting in their recreation room and
bar or around the pool.
When she was in her 20’s, Pearl’s parents purchased a log cabin in Combermere, Ontario,
Canada. This was her home away from home where they would stay in the summers. She loved
fishing, a hobby she began with her father. She remembered going out with him in the dark,
early in the mornings with the goal of catching “the big one”. They certainly caught a lot of fish
over the years! Another hobby in later years was photography. She had albums full of gorgeous
sunsets she would take of the lake, as well as deer photos in her yard at home.
Pearl loved music and would play various genres. She thought it was amazing when voice
assistants became popular, and we could simply ask for whatever song she wanted to hear. She
was extremely intelligent and loved Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, which she watched
religiously every night. She also did a crossword puzzle every morning. It is certain that these
habits allowed her to remain so clever and engaged all throughout her life. Her children and
grandchildren would marvel at the things she could remember, some of which they had
forgotten!
Beautiful on the inside and out, Pearl always took pride in her appearance. She loved having
nice clothes and continued to pick out her favorite outfits for social gatherings right up to her
105th birthday. She loved to laugh and was extremely quick witted with people of all ages. She
was grounded, caring, smart, kind, generous and funny. She was extremely proud of the family
she created. Her immense love for them is a gift she leaves with them, one they will hold dear
and feel in their lives always. Pearl would respond to an “I love you” with “I love you more.” It’s
possible she didn’t truly know the importance of this to her family, but it is a tradition they
cherish and will live on forever. We love you more!
We would like to extend a huge thank you to the amazing, caring staff at Heart & Home for
their genuine compassion and wonderful care of Pearl. They truly treated her like family, and
we will always be grateful for their kindness.
Family will receive friends at the Vodrazka Funeral Home of Independence, 6505
Brecksville Road (Rt. 21 South of Rockside) on Saturday, October 22, 2022, from 10:30 am to
11:30 am followed by a funeral service at 11:30 am. Interment to follow at the Riverside
Cemetery in Cleveland.
If desired, donations may be made in Pearl’s memory to Ohio Living Home Health and Hospice,
83 North Miller Road, Suite 101 Fairlawn, Ohio 44333; Heart and Home, 7972 Brecksville Rd., Brecksville, Ohio 44141 or to a charity of your choice.
What’s your fondest memory of Pearl?
What’s a lesson you learned from Pearl?
Share a story where Pearl's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Pearl you’ll never forget.
How did Pearl make you smile?