Obituary of Perla Maria Greenwald
Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Devoted Woman of Faith
Perla M. Greenwald, 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at her residence in North Plainfield, New Jersey, surrounded by the love of her family. Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, to Dr. Pedro and Maria Zevallos, both parents of great faith, Perla's life was a testament to resilience, devotion, and unwavering love.
Raised in Ecuador, Perla received her early education at Colegio Las Marianitas, a Catholic school where she cultivated the faith that would remain central to her life. She later pursued her passion for the arts at Bellas Artes in Ecuador. In 1969, she embarked on a new chapter, moving to Newark, New Jersey. After six years in Newark, she settled in Queens, New York, where she lived for over four decades before moving to North Plainfield in 2020 to be with her beloved family. Perla loved this country and became a U.S. citizen.
Determined to continue her education, Perla attended Essex County College in New Jersey, earning her associate degree. She began her professional career at First Federal Savings Bank in Newark before transitioning into a role that suited her warm and engaging personality: sales. As an Avon representative, Perla excelled, earning numerous accolades for her outstanding achievements. Her success was a testament to her natural charisma, her ability to connect with people, and the sincerity with which she engaged with others.
On May 21, 1975, Perla married the love of her life, Arthur L. Greenwald, and they made their home in Queens, New York. She was a devoted wife who supported her husband in his souvenir business while also nurturing her own passion for sales. Her engaging spirit and ability to build meaningful relationships made her a top performer with Avon, where she earned numerous awards and became part of the President’s Club.
Faith was the cornerstone of Perla’s life. She was a dedicated parishioner of Saint Bartholomew Church in Queens and later Saint Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. She prayed daily, rising early each morning to offer prayers for her loved ones. Her faith was a source of strength, guiding her through life’s challenges and shaping the deep values she instilled in her children.
Beyond her faith and career, Perla found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved family vacations, watching birds, nurturing her beloved African violets, orchids, and geraniums, and filling her home with warmth and beauty. A talented cook and baker, she delighted in preparing Ecuadorian cuisine for her family, with her shrimp omelet being a cherished favorite.
Perla’s adventurous spirit led her across the world, from the historic streets of Italy, France, and England to the grandeur of Monaco. She had a deep affection for Mexico and the Dominican Republic and frequently traveled throughout the United States, particularly treasuring her family trips to Florida. Her final international journey was visiting the Holy Land, Israel, and Jordan, while her last domestic trip was a meaningful visit to Florida for her beloved granddaughter Lorena’s wedding.
Above all, Perla’s greatest joy was her family. She was fiercely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild Carlos Xavier Montijo, celebrating their accomplishments and always encouraging them to pursue their dreams. Her firstborn, Kattia, was not only her daughter but her best friend and devoted caregiver. She took immense pride in Romy’s achievements as a microbiologist, admired Gisella’s intelligence and adventurous spirit as a world traveler fluent in five languages and as an MBA graduate, applauded Pedro’s success as a businessman, and marveled at Hugo’s work as a scientist. Education was deeply important to Perla, and she was overjoyed that all her children pursued higher learning, knowing that their successes were a reflection of her strength, sacrifices, and guidance.
Perla was a woman of deep love and unwavering devotion. She led with kindness and integrity, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, warmth, and boundless devotion.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Arthur L. Greenwald, with whom she was married for 20 years.
She is survived by her former husband, Hugo Canepa, and her five loving children: Kattia Canepa, Romy Canepa Mendias and her husband, Elpidio Mendias, Gisella Canepa, Pedro Canepa, and Hugo Canepa and his wife, Mercedes Canepa.
She joins her beloved sister, Tomasa del Carmen Alvarado, who just passed yesterday, February 17, 2025, and whose daughters, Gloria Munoz, Sara Franco, and Shirley Osuba, along with their families, loved her dearly.
Her love extended to her ten cherished grandchildren: Eduardo Canepa, Stephanie Canepa, Jean Carlo Canepa, Lorena Canepa, Pamela Canepa, Eric Francis, Randy Canepa, Ricardo Mendias, Antonella Canepa, and Gianna Canepa. She was also blessed with one great-grandchild, Carlos Xavier Montijo.
Perla was a proud and loving godmother to Gloria, her niece, and her husband Julio Munoz, now both deceased, who had three children who lovingly referred to Perla as their godmother or “Madrina.” Gloria and Julio shared an inseparable bond with Perla.
Perla’s presence was a gift to all who knew her, and her memory will forever be held in the hearts of those she loved.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during a visitation on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated the following day on Friday, February 21, 2025, at St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church, 2032 Westfield Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Piscataway, NJ.
Donations in Perla’s memory may be made to St. Bartholomew the Apostle Catholic Church, reflecting her lifelong dedication to faith and family.
May she rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love she so freely gave in life.
