Pearljean C. (Chalmers) Sanders

Pearljean C. (Chalmers) Sanders, 88, of Salem Township, passed away Monday, Aug. 7, 2017, at Hempfield Manor in Hempfield Township. She was born Oct. 21, 1928, in Somerset, daughter of the late Thomas and Anna (Bear) Chalmers. In addition to her parents, Pearljean was predeceased by her beloved husband, James H. Sanders; her brothers, Wilson, Lester and Thomas Chalmers; and a sister, Helen Welsh. She is survived by two daughters, Susan Sanders-Watt and husband Larry, of Salem Township and Jenifer Renshaw and husband Kevin, of Atlanta, Ga.; grandchildren, James T. Sanders (Bethany), Andrew L. Watt (Meg), Chad Watt (Erin), Isabelle Renshaw and Kirk Renshaw; great-granddaughter, Bailey Ann Sanders; and a niece, Charlotte Connelly. Pearljean graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1968 and began a 30-year career as an educator. She earned a master's degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh and retired in 1999 from teaching in the Franklin Regional School District. Throughout her life, Pearljean was an avid reader who always seemed to have a mystery novel at hand. Pearljean and her husband Jim were enthusiastic theater patrons, supporting local, college, community and professional theater programs in the greater Pittsburgh area and across the country. Pj and her family traveled extensively. Natural curiousity, eagerness to experience new places and a love for regional and local cuisines led Pearljean on adventures across the United States as well as on several trips to Europe, the Caribbean and, Pj and Jims' personal favorite, Tahiti. Most recently, Pearljean enjoyed time with her wonderful family and was blessed to hold her great-granddaughter, Bailey Ann, in her arms.
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at BASH-NIED FUNERAL HOME, 152 Abbe Place, Delmont, 724-468-8381, where services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday with Pastor Donna Havrisko presiding.
Should friends desire, memorial donations may be directed to Westminster Presbyterian Church 1120 Harvey Ave., Greensburg, PA 15601. For directions and online expressions of sympathy, please refer to the funeral home website, www.bash-niedfuneralhome.com.

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