Three time City of Berwick mayoress Pearl Pargeter.DEIDRE ‘Pearl’ Pargeter was born near Wagga, New South Wales, on 31 March 1925.
The wife of former City of Berwick mayor Syd Pargeter, Pearl was dubbed by many as the city’s best ever mayoress.
Pearl and Syd married on 25 June 1955 and bought their first house in Doveton soon after.
Pearl severed as mayoress on three occasions – in 1969-70, 1976-77 and 1982-83.
Her term in the late 70s was unexpected and conducted with a tinge of sadness.
Pearl was asked to be mayoress for Jack Thomas after his wife, Mary Loveridge, died suddenly.
Many community members commented on the outstanding job Pearl did while acting as mayoress for the city.
Pearl had a long and proud employment history working as a diligent bookkeeper and was known to be quick and accurate with mental arithmetic.
She later moved into women’s fashion and had a knack of helping find that special outfit for each customer.
Throughout her time Pearl met Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles and Princess Diana. She also met the mayoress of London in 1989.
Pearl died on 10 September after a four year battle with cancer.
Pearl is survived by her husband Syd and two children Sue and Greg.
