Pearl Annette Wright

I was born in SLC, September 21st 1966 (maybe that's why l always loved the song September from EWF). We spend a lot of time talking about life after death, but what about life before death? I was a Rotarian, a nonprofit marketing aficionado, a past president of the Junior League of SLC, a global citizen, a lifelong volunteer, and an advocate in the global women's movement. I had a lot of fun and lived a good life. I had the privilege of taking care of my parents as they aged. But the relationship that was most special to me was with my husband of 22 years, Bill Lentz. I loved him more than words can express.

Time with Bill was time spent wisely. We climbed so many mountains together, traveled the world, laughed and cried together. I also had an amazing group of lifelong friends. Just thinking of the many things that we did together makes me snort. My life was good. I was a learner. I learned so many things from Spanish, cooking techniques, to the ill-fated lesson that snowboarding might not be for me. I was a shoe tester for Merrell, passionate about outdoor sports and recreation, and considered time in the mountains sacred. l was survived by a few billion other global citizens and my father, my 4 brothers and an incredible crew of friends. If you knew me, you know that I was always a believer in celebrations of life. As an end-of-Life Dula, I understand that grieving is part of the process of dying and I do not discount that. But I do ask that, if you knew me, celebrate my life and our time together in a way that you think is most fitting, but please include music and a donation to a nonprofit organization that benefits girls and women. And of course, volunteer, be kind, and live until you die!

-Pearl Wright

As noted, the obituary above was written by Pearl herself. If you knew Pearl at all, it is clear that her words do not come close to capturing how special she was. While it touches on her work in the non-profit sector, it does not express her lifelong commitment and devotion to these causes. It also does not express the extent to which she influenced the lives of those that had the privilege of meeting her. As many will attest, her friendship was one of the most formative factors in our lives. She was an amazing woman: smart, driven, generous, a devoted daughter, loving wife, and incredible friend. She was a rare and precious gift that will be sorely missed by all who met her.
-Bill Lentz

A celebration of life will be held for Pearl at a future date. Per Pearl’s wishes, it will be reserved for those few who travelled with Pearl, shared her love of the outdoors with her, danced/sang/laughed/drank with her, cried and grieved with her at her mom’s passing and were by Pearl’s side supporting her through her bouts with cancer.

All should celebrate Pearl’s life in their own way as you think would befit Pearl and your friendship with her. If you wish to donate to a non-profit that benefits girls and women, but don’t have one you favor, the following are ones that were dear to Pearl:

 Planned Parenthood
 Global Fund for Women
 American Cancer Society
 Mapera Center for Women, Bwindi Uganda (contact Bill Lentz)