Mina Sue Erlach Pearlman, 76, died on November 1, 2024 after a long illness. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Saul Pearlman, and is survived by her daughter, Shana Beth Pearlman and her son-in-law, Dan Cryan, as well as her sister, Judy Mirmelstein, of Virginia Beach. Mina will be greatly missed by her two granddaughters, Alice Dorothy Cryan and Sarah Margaret Cryan, who brought her immense joy and pride.

Mina was born in Newport News, Virginia, on July 24, 1948, surrounded by a large and loving family. She was the daughter of Yale and Dorothy Erlach. Mina graduated from Newport News High School in 1966, and from Harcum College in 1968, where she served as the president of the student government. She and Saul married in 1971, and moved to Charlottesville in 1990, where she created a strong network of deep friendships.

Mina had a one-of-a-kind, winning personality. She could make friends with anyone, and had a way of making those around her feel special and valued. She inspired her family and friends to dream big and to accomplish great things. She had a warm sense of humor, a powerful sense of compassion, and a fantastic knack of bringing people together. She was a great athlete. She loved golf, tennis, and walking. With Mina there was no such thing as slow walking! She was endlessly curious, taking stained glass lessons, chef lessons, and even mini med school. She will be deeply missed.

Since 2015, Mina has been a resident of Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge in Charlottesville. The family wishes to express deep appreciation for the loving care Mina received from the WCBR Catered Living staff, the WCBR Healthcare Staff, as well as from Hospice of the Piedmont. The family would also like to recognize and appreciate Mina’s fantastic medical team, particularly the team at WCBR and her fantastic clinicians at UVa Medical Center.

For more on services and to share your condolences, visit Hill and Wood Funeral Service.