Obituary of Pearl Lerner Kane

WESTPORT, CONN Pearl Lerner Kane, 74, of Westport, CT, beloved wife of the late Paul Kane (z"l), passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026 at home. Born on November 9, 1951, on the South Side of Chicago to the late Alice and Carl Lerner, Pearl grew up immersed in Jewish communal life, theater, and summers at Camp Chi. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she was the first woman to direct the university's spring musical (Guys and Dolls), Pearl went on to earn a degree from the Jane Addams School of Social Work. She built a meaningful career with the JCCs of Chicago, later serving as Director of the Norwalk, CT JCC, where she revitalized the community center. She went on to found PLK Consulting Group working with numerous non profit organizations with missions focused on Israel, Jewish education, and Community. Pearl was a gifted singer who loved music of all kinds and had a remarkable ability to form deep and lasting connections with everyone she met. She is survived by her daughters, Rabbi Molly Kane (Michelle Citrin) and Rebecca Solinsky (Neil); her cherished grandchildren, Miriam, James, Avishai, and Benny; and many beloved extended family members. She was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Paul Kane. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 20 at 1:00 pm at Abraham L. Green and Son Funeral Home, Fairfield, CT, followed by burial in Westport, CT. Shiva will be observed in Westport and Brooklyn; details will be shared at the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Camp Chi of the JCC of Chicago in Pearl's memory. (https://campchi.jccchicago.org/donate/)