1922 – 2015

WEST PARIS — Frances Mayer Perlman, 93, died peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of Earth Day, April 22, at her home in West Paris, where she had lived since 1985.

She was born on April 18, 1922, in New York City, eldest daughter of Charles Mayer and Jane Rosenheim Mayer, and sister to Andrew Mayer and Berna Mayer Osnos. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Barnard College, where she also studied Shakespeare and Chaucer; and two master’s degrees in biology and mathematics from Columbia and NYU, specializing in topology and genetics. Frances was a lifelong lover of learning and research, a Renaissance woman with an inquisitive and critical mind, who felt a deep appreciation for both the arts and the sciences.

In 1941, Frances Mayer married Arnold Perlman, an architect from Bucharest, Romania, and the young Jewish couple chose to raise their family in Greenwich, Conn. Frances taught high school biology, worked at Sloan Kettering on cancer research and conducted research in fish genetics and reproduction at NYU. She also sculpted in clay, stone and bronze, with a focus on animals; rode horses from the age of six until 91; and read widely and voraciously. In addition to German and English, the languages with which she was raised, she spoke fluent Italian. She made many trips to Italy, most often to Venice, the Amalfi coast, and most recently, to Milan. She played the flute, studied Bach and Quantz, and especially loved the music of Vivaldi, the paintings of Titian and Caravaggio, and the sculpture of Bernini.

Frances also loved the earth, the ocean, and all animals, most particularly giraffes, elephants, whales and zebras, as well as the octopus, the dolphin and the pelican, animals with whom she identified and felt a special kindred spirit. She was a fierce supporter of environmental causes and a vocal advocate for animals’ rights. A long series of horses and dogs were her dearest and most beloved companions, with a special place in her heart reserved for Nico, her horse, and Caro, her Lhasa Apso.

She is survived by four children, Wallace Perlman of Redding, Conn., and his wife, Joanne, Cynthia Tinsley of West Paris and her husband, Forrest, Alex Perlman of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Mace Perlman of Greenwich, Conn., and his wife, Stefania; and a daughter-in-law, Phyllis Buchanan of Brooks. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, Solai, and her husband, David, Toji, and his partner, Megu, Reed, Sienna, Tyler, Margaret, Willa, Orsino and Isabella; and one great-grandson, Axel.

Frances is predeceased by three sons, Ronald, Norris and Denis.

Her family wishes to acknowledge the tremendous contribution of her community of caregivers, especially Elaine Smith, who cared for Frances in her home for the last two years. They also greatly appreciate Mark, Susan, Leanne, Carolyn, Billie Rae, Claudia and many others, who provided Frances with loving companionship and mobility for many years.