Pearla Francis Tarsitano

Pearla Francis Tarsitano (née Hern), age 87, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, in Carmel, California.

She was born on December 28, 1937, in Exeter, Ontario, Canada. Pearla was the daughter of Ward and Mary Hern. She grew up alongside her siblings Marilyn Dixon, Phyllis Chute, Elaine Skinner, and Edward Hern. Her early years in Canada laid the foundation for a life marked by resilience, grace, and an adventurous spirit.

Pearla began her professional journey working at the Bank of Montreal in Canada, later moving to Calgary. From there she became a stewardess with North Central Airlines. It was during this time she met her husband Dr. Gerald Tarsitano at a party in Chicago, IL. They were married on August 5, 1961, sharing a long and loving marriage of 64 years. In 1962, they moved, via the US Army, to Fort Ord, CA for two years where they had their first child, Pamela. They then headed back to Chicago, IL to grow their family, where they welcomed their sons, Gerald II and Perry. Pearla’s family was the heart of her world, and she took great pride in watching it grow across generations.

As Pearla’s children became older she ventured into real estate, earning the accolade of highest selling realtor in the area. She brought warmth and dedication to helping others find their homes. Eventually Pearla and Gerry took their family and moved west again, settling in Carmel, California. Pearla became a local business owner, buying and running Carmel Tennis in the Barnyard—a beloved establishment that combined her entrepreneurial drive with her passion for tennis. As their children grew up and left them to be empty nesters, Pearla and Gerald split their time between Carmel, CA and La Quinta, CA. During their time in La Quinta, they met wonderful friends and shared many memorable rounds of golf. Inspired by her love for the game, Pearla started a tournament at their club aptly named 'The Pearla Cup.'

Pearla’s life was enriched by many interests. She found joy on the tennis court as well as on the golf course and loved spending time playing cards and MahJong with friends. These pastimes were more than hobbies—they were opportunities to connect with others and share laughter. 

Pearla had many health challenges later in life, but they never dampened her spirit for life. 

In addition to her busy and vibrant life with friends, Pearla was a loving grandmother to Alyssa Murray ( Shane), Tarah Sferidis ( Chris), Colby Tarsitano, Miles Tarsitano, Makenna Tarsitano, and Gianna Tarsitano. Her joy multiplied with the arrival of her great-grandchildren: Nickolas Sferidis, Emory Sferidis, and Hailey Murray.

Pearla was preceded in death by her parents; her sister and brother-in-law Ken and Phyllis Chute; brother-in-laws Bill Dixon and Bev Skinner; her brother Edward Hern; and her daughter-in-law Stacie Tarsitano. 

She is survived by her husband, children, son-in-law, Gary McCarley, and daughter-in-law, Lisa Tarsitano, grandchildren, and many, many friends.

Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished and the community she touched. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. 

The family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to Dr. Nancy Rubin, Pearla’s incredible caregiver, Greta Garcia, and the wonderful staff of Hospice.

A mass and celebration of life will be held at The Carmel Mission on Tuesday 

November 25, 2025 at 10:00 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to support Breast Cancer research and awareness.