Newhall Gardens Community Room Named After Community Hero

Louise Pearsall harbored doubts about whether her neighbors at Newhall Gardens noticed all the work she did for her community over the past 25 years. Monday her doubts were eliminated — as the community room at the Newhallvile senior public-housing development was named in her honor.

Housing Authority of New Haven Executive Director Karen DuBois-Walton hosted Pearsall’s family and friends at the 19 Daisy St. center for a plaque presentation and lunch to recognize and thank Pearsall for her ​“lifelong service” to the Newhallville community.

Pearsall, who is 88, has lived in New Haven for 72 years now.

DuBois-Walton described Pearsall as the eyes and ears of the community. ​“We are all here to thank you for your kind spirit and preservice,” she said.

In her many years of bettering her community, Pearsall has supported the work of six housing authority executive directors. Pearsall always made sure to hold both the city’s and the development’s support staff accountable, DuBois-Walton said. At Newhall Gardens, she served as head of the tenants association for more than two decades and spent many hours working on the complex’s gardens. She served as a housing authority commissioner as well, and worked for Yale University as manager of hospitality and entertainment at the Morse College Master’s House

“I just like helping people especially when they can’t help themselves,” Pearsall said.

Pearsall has committed to beautifying Newhall Gardens. She noted when she first arrived at the senior development, residents did not readily have access to the community room.

Newhallville Alder Delphine Clyburn awarded Pearsall with a citation from the Board of Alders for her dedication and selflessness. In the past, Pearsall and Clyburn have prepared community meals and hosted an annual holiday party for residents.

“It’s not a duty. It’s love,” Clyburn said about Pearsall’s work.

Glofesta Suggs spoke of how she is Pearsall’s non-biological ​“daughter.” When Suggs moved to the west side of town around the age 10, she and Pearsall bonded. Pearsall was the neighborhood mom who was loving but firm. ​“She would correct anyone no matter how old they were,” Suggs recalled.

Pearsall helped Suggs raise her three daughters as a young mother. In 2008, Suggs lost her 18-year-old daughter to Lupus three years after the diagnosis, and Pearsall was there to support her. ​“She helped me to become the woman I am today,” Suggs said.

One year after Suggs’ daughter passed away, Suggs also lost her father. Pearsall was there once again to offer Suggs with all the rights words of strength and keeping her faith in hard times.

Now Suggs cares for Pearsall as her own mother by frequently taking her to the store or out to eat.

Pearsall is the last living founding mother of First Calvary Baptist Church on Dixwell Avenue.

Rev. Boise Kimber of First Calvary Baptist spoke of how Pearsall orders him a pack of Georgia pecans, his favorite, two to three times a year.

To close his remarks, Kimber led the guest in a prayer over Pearsall, who was diagnosed with cancer last March.

Since her diagnosis, Pearsall has been getting weaker physically. It has been harder for her to move herself around.

In the final remarks, DuBois-Walton presented Pearsall with a leadership award for her exceptional commitment to New Haven.

“I did it to make people feel like they’re somebody,” said Pearsall.