ELLENBURG DEPOT – Pearl Ada Lashway, 91, of the Military Turnpike, passed away at home on May 14, 2020.

Pearl was born on February 17, 1929, in Altona, NY, to James and Emma (LaBarge) Boyea.

Pearl had a tremendous work ethic and learned at a young age that she had to work hard to get ahead.  Her first job was at the slipper factory in Mooers, New York. Many years later, after it closed, she then worked at Diamond International/Packaging Corporation of America for over twenty-five years until she retired.  Pearl's work ethic drove her to take on another job later at Diamond Comics and she worked there into her 70's.  She was known as an excellent employee who was liked and respected by all.

Pearl planted a large and perfectly maintained garden every year.  No one could visit without taking a tour and bringing some vegetables home.  She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, crafts, cooking, canning and baking.  Pearl made the BEST pies and won a contest or two with her mile-high lemon meringue. She valued her overabundance of clothes and accessories, meticulously putting together the perfect outfit for any occasion.  Most of all, Pearl enjoyed spending time and reminiscing with family and friends.  She had a big beautiful heart with a smile to match.

Pearl is survived by her children Gary (Amber) Lashway, Kelly (David) Smart, Cindy (Alex) Benware, Scott (Diana) Lashway, sister Doris Barcomb and brother Curtis (Rebecca) Boyea.  Also survived by Pearl's passing are her nine grandsons, Todd, Chad and Brad Lashway, Brady and Lucas Smart, Jacob and Patrick Benware, and, Evan and Reed Lashway, and four great-grandsons, Nathaniel, Dalton, Dustin and Nicholas, step grandson Norman (Robin) Guerin and step great-grandchildren Sarah and Kasey, sister-in-laws Mary Boyea, Margie Lashway, and Linda (Beaman) LaBare.

Pearl is predeceased by Leonard, her husband of 72 years, just 7 months ago.  She is also predeceased by her parents, sister Olga (Ralph) LaPierre, brother Douglas Boyea, brothers-in-law Casper Barcomb, Leo Lashway, Walter (Athelie) Lashway, and Donald (Mildred) Lashway.

Special thanks and eternal gratitude to Pearl's caregiver and BFF Ann Witt.  Pearl deserved the best and with Ann she had it.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family and burial will take place in Holy Angels Cemetery in Altona.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Altona Fire Department.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.rabideaufuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted into the care of the Rabideau Funeral Home, 5614 Route 11, Ellenburg.