Eleanor "Pearl" Booth McKelvie, longtime resident of Bala Cynwyd and beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully while surrounded by loved ones on March 5 ^th , 2020.

Pearl grew up in the Burholme neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia and attended Frankford High School. She continued her education at the University of Pennsylvania and ran a series of businesses, most notably the Main Line Beverage Company of Ardmore, PA, which she and her husband, John T. McKelvie, ran together from 1980 until his untimely death in 1983. Mrs. McKelvie then owned the beverage store independently until selling it in 2006. In addition to her successful business career, Pearl raised a family of three, beginning in the Southwest Cedar Park section of West Philadelphia, then moved abroad to Mexico City where the family lived for 3 years and daughter Laura was born, ultimately settling in Bala Cynwyd, where she lived until her death.

Pearl is survived by her three children: Dr. Pamela McKelvie (Gregory Higgins), John McKelvie (Jenny Girvin) and Laura McKelvie. Pearl, or "Nee-nee", is additionally survived by her two granddaughters, Karly and Alaina Soldner and two sisters, Rene Smith-Schneider and Jeri Gallagher. Pearl was preceded in death by her husband of 34 years, John T. McKelvie, as well as her father Thomas Booth, mother Helena Devlin Booth, sister Beada Higgins and brothers Bill and Thomas Booth.

Pearl loved her early-morning rowboat rides, alone, on the creek at her Pocono cabin; classic convertibles, like her '57 T-bird; Eagles touchdowns and enjoying a glass of wine with cheese and crackers during cocktail hour. She was a member of St. Matthias Catholic Church since 1967. Her family was of utmost importance to her, and she took much joy in being with them and encouraging them in their varied pursuits. Her independent spirit, unwavering optimism and exuberance for life were palpable, and she will be deeply missed.

Interment will be private, and services are pending due to the present state of public health concerns. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations (in Pearl's name) to the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the St. Raphaela Center, 616 Coopertown Road, Haverford, PA 19041, www.acjusa.org