Torrington - Pearl Belair, 87, 0f Torrington, passed away on April 10, 2015. She was born on August 12, 1927 in Killingly, Danielson, Connecticut. Pearl was a warm and friendly person who loved life and enjoyed being with people. She loved music and painting and was very artistic, creating beautiful wooden objects which she either sold or gave away as gifts. Throughout life, Pearl always believed that to make a difference, one must get involved. During the Civil Rights era, she traveled throughout the southern US in the struggle for racial equality. While in Washington, DC, she was present when Martin Luther King gave his now famous, "I have a dream" speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Pearl lived in Rhode Island for a number of years where she worked for Raytheon in the Engineering Research and Development plant where she participated in work for the Apollo Space Program. Later, she enjoyed a rewarding career with the Head Start Program in Providence and was instrumental in setting up the dental program at the Joseph Samuel Dental Clinic. Over the years, she transported over 600 pre-school children by bus to and from the clinic and developed a wonderful rapport with them. Pearl leaves a sister-in-law, Rachel Cote-Perreault of New Britain; a nephew, Jeffrey Cote of Lincoln, AL; three nieces, Sharon Merritt of Brigham City, Utah, Brenda Green of Torrington, and Lisa Pascoal of Sherwood, OR.; great nephews and nieces, Timothy and James Green, Melinda Givens, Stephanie Chase, Nathan, Peter, Jaimie, and Mary Cote, Curtis, Austin, and Alyssa Merritt, Jacob, Anthony and Lincoln Pascoal, Lorelei Cote, Adelaide and Coraline Givens, Koraleigh Cote, Laken Cote and Remington Chase. She was predeceased by a great niece, Cara Cote. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 12:00 P.M. at West Cemetery, 49 Pound St. Bristol. There are no calling hours.

Service Information Service Saturday April 25, 2015 12:00 PM West Cemetery 59 Pound St. Bristol, CT -->