Pearl Berg

• Full name: Pearl Louise Berg nee Synenberg
• Lifespan: 01.10.1909 – 01.02.2024
• Age: 114 years, 123 days
• Birthplace: Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, USA
• Last residence: Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, USA
• Application date: 09.01.2020
• Validation date: 06.02.2023
• Validation source: Robert J. Berg/Judy Taback/Robert Young/Dr. Waclaw Jan Kroczek

Biography

Early Life

For many years, Pearl Berg claimed to have been born in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA on February 14, 1910; however, subsequent research performed by the GRG with the help of the closest family members has proven that Berg’s actual birthdate was October 1, 1909, and that she was born in Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, USA.

Berg’s parents were Archiebald and Anna (née Gerson) Synenberg, who had Polish and Russian ancestry. She spent her childhood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. She moved to Los Angeles, California with her family in 1930. She became a member of Temple Israel in 1937 and continued to attend occasional services at the synagogue, usually during the High Holy Days, in her centenarian years. She married Mark Berg on December 16, 1931, with whom she had two children, Alan and Robert.

Later Life

After her husband died in December 1989, Berg maintained a social life for herself by joining a book club, regularly attending concerts and plays, and becoming more involved with a bridge group. She was active in Temple Israel’s Sisterhood and was asked to write notes to bereaved families on behalf of the temple, which she continued to do until the age of 105.

In October 2019, Berg turned 110, becoming a supercentenarian. On Oct. 1, 2023 Pearl Berg turned 114. She lived in her own home in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, USA at the time.

Longevity Recognition

Following the death of Hazel Plummer (1908-2023), Berg became the third-oldest living person in the USA (after Edie Ceccarelli and Elizabeth Francis), and the fourth-oldest validated living American-born person (after Maria Branyas Morera, Ceccarelli, and Francis).

As of her 114th birthday, Pearl Berg was the 10th oldest living person in the world and the second-oldest in California behind Edith Ceccarelli.

Pearl Berg passed away in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, USA, on February 1, 2024, at the age of 114 years, 123 days. She was the third oldest living person in the USA, the oldest living Jewish person and the ninth oldest living person in the world.

Longevity titles held by Pearl Berg:

• Oldest living Jewish person (13.01.2022 – 01.02.2024) following the passing of Cecile Klein of Canada.

Validation

Pearl Berg’s age was verified by Robert J. Berg, Judy Taback, Robert Young, and Waclaw Jan Kroczek, and validated by the GRG on February 6, 2023.

Pearl Berg on her 113th birthday.

Pearl Berg (aged 3) with her parents Archiebald Synenberg, and Anna Synenberg nee Gerson (1913).

Pearl Berg as a young woman.

Pearl Berg (aged 21) with her future husband Paul Berg in 1931.

Pearl Berg in her 80s. (1990s)

Pearl Berg at age 109.

Pearl Berg (aged 110) in January 2020, playing cards with her longtime caregiver Rachel Gelanga.

Pearl Berg at age 110 with her son Robert Berg.

Pearl Berg at age 113 on Feb. 14, 2023, after becoming the oldest living Jewish person in the world.

Pearl Berg at age 113, in August 2023.