thanks Pinky!

'Matriarch' of Liberty State Park in Jersey City dies at 98



If Morris Pesin is the "Father of Liberty State Park," then Ethel Pesin, his wife of 54 years, surely was the matriarch of the great state treasure.

Hailed today as lover of people, a devoted mother, and an unwavering supporter of Morris in his quest to establish the great Jersey City park, Ethel Pesin died Friday at her home in Jersey City. She was 98.

"She was a loving, kind, strong, and independent person," Ethel's son, Sam Pesin, said tonight. "She was a energetic, wise, and loving person and a blessing to my family and to all that knew her."

Sam Pesin is the president of the Friends of Liberty State Park, the volunteer organization dedicated to protecting and improving the waterfront park. Morris Pesin died in 1992 and is the longtime civic leader credited with getting elected officials to set aside the land and open the park in 1976.

Born to Latvian refugees Louis and Dora Pliskin on Jan. 16, 1915, Ethel Pesin moved to Jersey City in 1923.

She graduated from Schools 3 and 9 and then Dickinson High School in 1931. She was inducted into the Dickinson Hall of Fame in 2008, making her and Morris the only husband and wife duo in the school's Hall of Fame.

After receiving her degree in public school music education from Syracuse University, she returned to Jersey City to work as a music teacher at Snyder Junior High School and Lincoln High School before becoming a private piano teacher.

In 1938, Ethel married Morris. During their marriage of 54 years, they had two children, Sam and Judy.

"She loved being with people and being outdoors by the waterfront," Sam said tonight of his mother. "She loved seeing the sun setting with the golden windows of the New York City skyline while being in the beautiful park sitting. She was a really great person and she'll be greatly missed.
The funeral service was held today at Temple Beth-El on Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City.

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I had the pleasure of knowing Ethel, and her son, Sam, as good neighbors and friends for a number of years. Ethel's kind spirit and love for Jersey City shone through in all that she did. Her and her husband left a great legacy to the city.

She will be missed greatly.

Ethel Pesin has left a great legacy to our city. May her name be blessed.

not good news, but thank you for the info.

I regret to inform that Ethel Pesin beloved mother of Sam and Judy and widow of Morris,passed away on Friday evening.

Ethel played a vital role in the preservation of Liberty State Park and was actively involved with many worthwhile charities throughout her life.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday morning at 10:45 at Temple Beth-El , 2419 Kennedy Blvd in Jersey City.