Pearl Cortay

Pearl Earlene (Boller) Cortay, 84, of California, died May 9th, 2015 in Eureka, CA. She was born May 29, 1930 in Denton, Montana to Julius and Ruth (Campbell) Boller. She was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Charles Cortay, and her older sisters, Betty Crabtree and Judy Dickerson. Surviving family includes Helen “Tommie” Clark, Peg Lindberg and Ruth Eastman as well as Pearl’s daughters, Shawn Cortay and Keri (Cortay) Farnsworth.

Pearl attended Fergus County High School before matriculating to Montana State College in Bozeman, where she completed 2 years before moving to Portland, Oregon. Pearl and family moved to Alaska in 1969, living primarily on Kodiak Island, where she worked as a cashier for many years before the family opened another restaurant. She and her husband moved back to Washington in 1981 to make Cathlamet their permanent home. They temporarily returned to southeast Alaska again in 1983 to work for a major logging company until their retirement in 1994. Her husband died the following year and Pearl remained in her home in Cathlamet until she was disabled from a stroke in 2006, after which she moved to McKinleyville, California to live with her daughter Shawn.

Pearl was an excellent baker, avid reader, part-time gardener and enjoyed pursuing a wide range of hobbies over the years. She loved sport fishing with her husband and was very proud of the marlin she caught in the early 1960’s. Pearl was also extremely fond of bird watching and worked hard to provide food and a safe habitat for migrating hummingbirds. She loved playing games and was deadly at Pinochle, Cribbage & Scrabble. Pearl prided herself on reading the news daily and was always current with politics both here and abroad. She loved spending time with family and entertaining friends. Her down-to-earth nature, sincere hospitality and overall generosity made so many feel loved. Even in her advancing stages, her quick smile and kindness shone through, and you knew who Pearl was reflected in those big blue eyes.

At her request, no service will be held. Cremation has taken place, and a private scattering of her cremains will occur at a later date. Memorials may be made to the: National Stroke Association 9707 E Easter Lane, Suite B, Centennial, CO 80112.

Of course there is much more to say about her life and those who loved and cared for her. Please feel free to add your thoughts to Pearl's guest book at http://pearl-cortay.last-memories.com

- Paid Obituary -