Pearl J. Capes (née Blazejewski) passed away peacefully at Brandywine Assisted Living in Pennington, New Jersey, on April 17, 2026, in the company of her loving family. She was 97 years old.

Pearl was born on her family’s farm in 1928 to parents who were first-generation immigrants from Poland. Growing up during the Great Depression, life was not always easy, but she cherished her childhood—spending time with farm animals, picking wild mushrooms or flowers in the woods, and helping with household responsibilities. She graduated as valedictorian from Toll Gate School in the Pennington/Hopewell Valley area. Throughout her life, she remained deeply connected to her classmates, organizing numerous reunions and delighting attendees with her vivid recollections and eloquent storytelling.

Shortly after the end of World War II, Pearl met U.S. Army Sergeant Joseph Capes at a church dance. They married in 1948 and built a life together that spanned 72 devoted years. Joe constructed their family home, with Pearl proudly assisting him, and it remained their cherished residence throughout their marriage.

Pearl began her professional life as an administrative assistant and office manager before embarking on a long and successful career in residential and commercial real estate. She earned a reputation for her meticulous attention to detail, reliability, and integrity, continuing to serve her clients with dedication until her retirement at the age of 80.

A gifted cook, Pearl followed in her mother’s footsteps in the kitchen. She was especially known for her exceptional baking—many would say no one made a better pie. Her children fondly remember their homemade school lunches, which were admired by classmates for their freshness and care. Pearl also found great joy in gardening, tending diligently to her flower beds each spring. Her home was always immaculate, a true reflection of her pride and devotion.

Pearl had a deep love of travel. Family road trips to Florida were a cherished tradition, complete with picnic lunches along Route 1 or I-95. Autumn brought trips to New England and Canada to admire the changing leaves. Later in life, she and Joe traveled extensively, visiting California, Hawaii, England, France, and Italy, and enjoying river cruises along the Danube and Saône. A particularly meaningful journey was a visit to Rogowa, Poland, where she located her family’s ancestral home, church and cemetery.

Known for her outgoing personality, Pearl was often the life of the party. She was always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear to family and friends in need. She approached everything she did with high standards and a commitment to excellence. Above all, she was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose love and care for her family were boundless.

Pearl was predeceased by her parents, Józef and Marjanna (née Cendrowski) Blazejewski; her beloved husband, Joseph Capes; her brother, John Blazejewski; and her sisters, Irene O’Donnell and Lee Lugossy. She is survived by her brother, Arthur Blazejewski; her daughter Cathy Kohlmeyer and her husband Bruce; her son Joseph Capes II and his wife Heather; her grandchildren Justin Plymack and his wife Betsy, Aaron Plymack and his wife Julia, Joseph Capes III and Samantha Capes; and her great-grandchildren, Bella, Lilly, Maeve, and Werth.

A gathering with family and friends will held on Monday, April 20, 2026 10:30-11:00AM at St. James Catholic Church, 115 East Delaware Avenue, Pennington, New Jersey 08534.  A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 11:00AM.  Interment will follow mass at St. Hedwig’s Cemetery, Ewing, New Jersey.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the support, prayers, and kindness shown during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ellis Island Foundation https://www.statueofliberty.org/foundation/ or the Fund for Penn Medicine https://www.pennmedicine.org/giving/fund-for-penn-medicine.