Pearl Maicus

Pearl E. Maicus, 92, of Peru, NY, passed away peacefully Monday, March 29, 2021, at CVPH/UVM Hospital in Plattsburgh, NY, with loving family members by her side.

Pearl was born in Brooklyn, NY, one of three children born to Stanley Legge and Ethel (Mercer) Legge. Pearl also had a twin sister, Ruby (Legge) Shiver, and brother, Earl Legge.

Mr. & Mrs. Legge were both from Newfoundland; they met in the States, fell in love and were soon married. Pearl's dad was a construction contractor for the government, which allowed the family to live in many parts of the Northeast and Southern US. Pearl and her siblings attended some 20 different schools prior to graduating from AuSable Forks High School. Pearl always considered the Jay area home. As children, she spent many summers at the home of Pearl's late uncle and aunt, Mr. & Mrs. Chester Walton. The Waltons provided a home with an extensive library, causing Pearl to fall in love with reading.

One evening while Pearl was attending a church social with her dear friend Irene (Maicus) LaBombard, Pearl noticed a handsome young Airman turning the ice cream maker. Pearl asked Irene excitedly, "Who is He"? Irene casually said, "Oh, that's my brother Paul." They were introduced, and like the storybooks would say, they fell in love at first sight. Paul and Pearl were wed in 1947 and began a new chapter in their lives.

Pearl wanted to make a home and settle down. Paul, being the wonderful husband he was, said "Yes, Dear!" They bought a large home in the Jersey section of AuSable Forks, NY and began their family. They raised 6 children and a number of grandchildren in that home. Pearl remained there until Hurricane Irene damaged the home beyond repair in 2011.

Pearl began a career as a librarian and worked for many years at the AuSable Forks Free Library. She felt everyone should have access to good literature no matter their financial condition. Pearl was instrumental in the development and fundraising for the current AuSable Forks Free Library. As fate would have it, Pearl was approached by the local public-school principal (Peg Ryan) and asked if she would take the position of librarian to replace the retiring librarian. Pearl accepted and continued her career touching youngsters lives with the magic of the written word.

After her home was destroyed, Pearl spent the next several years wintering in Maryland, with her daughter Lori Bridge and summering in Peru, with her son Steven. Pearl developed dementia in her 80s and needed increased care. Pearl's daughter-in-law Carolyn stepped in and cared for Pearl until she passed. The Maicus family is forever grateful for Carolyn's genuine love and compassion for Pearl and for the entire family.

Pearl is predeceased by her parents; her husband, Paul Maicus; son, Stanley Maicus; and son-in-law, Malcolm Crowningshield. Those left to cherish Pearl's memory are: Carol (Maicus) Crowningshield, Steven and Carolyn (Coolidge) Maicus, Lori (Maicus) and Andre' Bridge, Robin (Maicus) and Todd Osborne, Earl and Nicole (Wilkins) Maicus, 14 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Good Friday, April 2, 2021 at Zaumetzer Funeral Home in AuSable Forks, with the funeral service immediately following. The interment service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 3, at Fairview Cemetery in AuSable Forks.

All are welcome to attend.

Services were entrusted to Zaumetzer Funeral Home, AuSable Forks, New York.