Col. Pearl Eleanor Tucker, Usaf (Ret.)

Col. Tucker passed away on May 22nd at Claremont Nursing Home in Carlisle, PA. Pearl had a special kindness and a wonderful sense of humor. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, especially her nieces and nephews, Jennifer Ferry and husband Jack Ferry of Marysville, PA, Kathleen Jones, of Mechanicsburg, PA, Robert Feldman of Lake Ariel, PA, Mary Jo Leyh of Seekonk, MA and Denise Nardone of Old Forge, PA. She is also missed by 8 grandnieces and nephews and 4 great nieces and nephew.
Pearl was born to Robert Sheldon Tucker and Margaret Butler on August 27, 1924 in Wilkes-Barre, PA. She graduated from Elmer L. Myers High School, Wilkes-Barre in 1942. She received her diploma in Nursing from Wilkes-Barre General Hospital in 1946, her Bachelors of Science from Marywood College, Scranton, PA in 1949, and her Masters in Education from Temple University, Philadelphia PA in 1955. Pearl also received an honorary Doctoral Degree in Humanities from Capitol University, Dayton, OH in 1970 while involved in biometric research at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. An annual scholarship was established in her name.
In the early part of her career, Pearl worked as a nursing educational director and clinical instructor. She then spent a year as a missionary nurse in Brazil before joining the Nurse Corps, USAF. This began an illustrious military career.
Pearl served in Tachikawa, Japan from 1958-1960 and she qualified as a Flight Nurse in 1960. After returning to the States, she was assigned to the 3505th recruiting group from 1960-1963. She is best remembered as one of the first nurses to the astronauts and author of the Aerospace Nursing Curriculum. She was assigned to the Deputy for Bioastronautics in 1963 as Charge Nurse of Intensive Care Unit and Aerospace Nursing Course Supervisor, Cape Kennedy FL. From 1970-1974, she was assigned to the Pentagon as Consultant to the Chief, Air Force reserve on Nursing Affairs. She finished her career at Malcolm Grow USAF Medical Center, Andrews AFB, Washington, DC as Headquarters Command Nurse and Chief Nurse of the Department of Nursing. In 1970, she was awarded the “Flight Nurse of the Year Award” by the Aerospace Medical Association. She received numerous military awards, including three Legion of Merit awards, and upon retirement received personal thanks from President Reagan. She was involved in many military organizations and was a member of St. Patrick’s Parish in Carlisle.
Pearl enjoyed traveling in her motorhome with her friends, family, and dog. Special traveling companions included: her dear friend, Edith Krauss; her brother-in-law, Carl Jones; and her nieces and nephews, Jennifer Ferry, Robert Ferry, Michael Ferry, Matthew Ferry, Sarah Ferry and Shannon Curtin. She was also an amateur artist who especially enjoyed drawing cartoon ducks “because they are cute.” She was generous to a fault and never let anyone leave her home without a gift, whether it be a Hummel or a banana.
Pearl had a love for adventure and learning, and a love for sharing what she’d learned. She was known for indulging those she loved with gifts. After well-intentioned parents asked Pearl to stop spoiling the children, the gifts started coming from her beloved dog, Muffin, instead. Muffin’s generosity extended even beyond the dog’s earthly life. Pearl was most loved because she took a genuine interest in those around her. She was a source of inspiration, encouragement, and constant support for the people in her life.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 5, 2017 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 85 Marsh Drive, Carlisle, PA with Rev. Don H. Bender as Celebrant. Burial will be held later at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA. There will be a viewing at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services.
In memory of Pearl, the family would appreciate donations to PA Wounded Warriors, Claremont Nursing and Rehab, Carlisle PA, or St. Patrick’s Parish, Carlisle PA. We would also like to thank the staff of Claremont Nursing Home for the tender, loving care and support that Pearl received while a resident in their facility.
Hoffman Funeral Home & Crematory, 2020 W. Trindle Road, Carlisle, PA is handling the arrangements. To sign the guestbook, please visit www.HoffmanFH.com