Pearl Hartz, 98, of Escondido, Calif., died June 28, 2021. She was born April 12, 1923, to Elam and Malinda Hartz in Morgantown, Pa.

She lived most of her childhood years in Morgantown, then at age 15 moved with her family to a farm in Oley, Pa., where she attended Oley Mennonite Church. She studied first at Eastern Mennonite College and then at Goshen College in Indiana, from which she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 1949. Soon thereafter, she served for four years as a Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite Board of Missions volunteer. She lived in Gulfport, Miss., teaching vacation Bible school and assisting churches, and also spent time in St. Anne, Ill., helping to start a kindergarten.

She subsequently resided in Bucks County, Pa., where she was a schoolteacher and guidance counselor for 30 years and a member of Blooming Glen Mennonite Church. During this time, she earned a master’s degree in school guidance and counseling from Temple University. After retirement, she received a master of divinity degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1986.

She relocated to San Diego to live near her sister Lena and was involved in establishing and directing a Victim Offender Reconciliation Program, later renamed Restorative Justice Mediation Program, in San Diego. She received a Culture for Service Award from Goshen College in 2004 for her work with RJMP. She also led in the formation of San Diego Mennonite Church.

She enjoyed spending time with friends and family, traveling and reading. Her pleasant personality, humility and service to God and other people will be remembered by colleagues, friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Lena Yoder; and a brother, Jacob Hartz.

Memorial services were held at Oley Mennonite Church. Donations may be given to the Restorative Justice Mediation Program and MCC.