By COLlive reporter
Mrs. Sara Leah Overlander, Shlucha in Hendon, UK, has passed away on Shabbos.
She was 53 and suffered from an illness.
As a Shlucha of the Rebbe in a number of locations in the UK, Mrs. Overlander was a constant support to her husband, Rabbi Gershon Overlander.
She was an inspiration to thousands throughout her more than 3 decades on Shlichus in various Chabad centers, most recently in founding and co-directing along with her husband the Chabad House of Hendon.
Mrs. Overlander, nee Pearlman, who was originally from Chicago, gave countless shiurim over the years, and had even paired up a number of marriages through her work at the Chabad house.
She is survived by her husband, Rabbi Gershon Overlander, and their 10 children: Monish, Reuven, Esther Plotke, Chaya Mushka, Chana, Yossi, Menachem, Miriam, Shalom Ber and Bracha.
The Levaya will take place on Sunday at 1.30 pm from their home, 37, Hallswelle Road, London NW11 0DH.
Burial at 2.30 pm in Adas Cemetery in Cheshunt.
Silver Street Cemetery, 3 Silver Street, Goffs Oak, Cheshunt, Herts EN7 5JE
Shiva
The family is sitting at their home, 37, Hallswelle Road, London
Minyanim times:
Shachris
7:30, 8:30, 9:30
Mincha
3:15, 4:15
Marriv
5:15, 8:00
We need 4 Minyanim. Anyone that can should please come.
The Family has asked not to visit between 12:00 – 2:00 PM and 6:30 – 7:30 PM
The family has asked if you have any stories to share about Rebbitzin Sara Leah Overlander to please email them to [email protected]
Baruch Dayan Haemes.
I knew Sheryl and Elyse as young girls growing up on Monticello Ave. in Skokie, IL. I am in shock having just learned of this terrible loss, of such a great young lady, far before her time! Elyse, you have my deepest sympathies along with your sisters entire family! We have lost far too many neighborhood kids!
My heart goes out to your family. Please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
I did not really know here as anything but Sheryl. We were the closest of cousins throughout our childhood. Anyone that knew us, knew when we were together, nothing else mattered. Although in the second half of our lives we both took very different paths, when we spoke it was like no time passed. We shared so many secrets. Now I alone am the keeper of the stories. The world has had a huge loss. I mourn that loss with all of you.
Baruch Dayan Haemes. HaMakom yenachem et’chem b’toch shar avay’lay Tzion vee’Yerushalayim.
Baruch Dayan Haemes!!!!!!!
We were so lucky to know her over the years. She was a beautiful woman. We will muss her joyous spirit very much. Condolences to her immediate family in England , the USA and wherever her spirit had influence.
My heart breaks for the whole family.
May you find comfort as you see her legacy through the light and compassion of those she taught to live love.
Sheryl (Sara Leah) grew up next door to me in San Diego. So many fond memories. She was lively, good-natured, energetic and I watched as she became determined to follow the path she knew was meant for her. Always positive, gentle, loving, a heart so full of warmth and kindness. Hers is truly a remarkable legacy. My prayers are with her family.
Judith Sharp
Her life was a good one, lived for her religion, her husband, children, parents and sisters. It was, however, too short. Hoping that good memories of her will soon take the place of the grief over her loss for all. May her memory be for a blessing.
Janet Nirenberg, paternal cousin
I remember and always will remember Sheryl (Soroh Leah) as a bright light with joy and laughter emanating from her being. She was such a happy person to be around, I always felt so good from having spent time with her. Sending the family my sincere condolences. Evelyn Daitchman
I met Sara through her sister Elyse and mostly via email. She had sense of humor and positive attitude that most people in her situation would not have had. Let us remember her in health and let her memories be eternal.
My heart goes out to the Pearlman family and the Overlander familiy especially the children and husband she left behind.
Love,
Claudette and the Satnick family
MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HER FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF LOSS. HER SISTER ELYSE IS MY DAUGHTER-IN LAW AND WE LOVE HER DEARLY. I KNOW SHE WILL MISS HER SISTER VERY MUCH AS THEY WERE VERY CLOSE.
Josephine Mulalley ,Lewiston, Id
Soroh Leah, Sheryl, is part of my childhood. I have been friends with her sister Karen since 1974. This is such a loss that breaks my heart. I have so much love for the Pearlman family. May all her beautiful children and Husband find some sort or comfort knowing their Mom and Wife is no longer suffering. Im sending my love the all of Soroh Leah (Sheryls) family and friends. A part of my childhood is gone. May she be at peace. with love, TammySue Margalit from Chicago
I first met Sheryl Pearlman at Chabad headquarters in San Diego in the early 1980’s. She was a sweet, sincere, young lady anxious to grow in Yiddishkeit. We had many long conversations. She not only listened with her ears, but with piercing eyes and heart. And then the transformation from Sheryl to Soroh Leah. One day she excitedly told me is became a Kallah. We were so happy and wished her well on her move to Buffalo. I remember how thrilled her parents were when Manosh was born. Then shlichos brought her and R’Gershon to the UK. The next time… Read more »
boruch dayan haemes from offenbach,germany
May Hashem give the family strength and comfort. May we all continue her legacy and her exemplary devotion to the Rebbe’s Shlichus
You will always be remembered by your San Diego family and friends for your beautiful smile, generous spirit and loving heart.
My sister and my first friend, my best friend. How my heart is broken. She was the most wonderful woman in every way. i could write for hours about what she has meant to my life. She taught me how to treat others, compassion and kindness, to be mindful and generous, how to actually BE love. A standout in every way in this world, and now the world beyond. i shall carry her light with me always. Baruch Dayan Haemes.
I was saddened to hear of your loss, my deepest regret that I never met Sara Leah. May G-d bless you and your family with only good and happy things from now on and no more Tzar love and good wishes Michele Simon & family + Jenny Dobry
I love you. Cant stop thinking about you and the role you have now!
May you have the strength to pick you head up and be strong.
Always in my thoughts…
so sorry to hear… my heart is broken
chana you are so amazing! stay strong!!
thinking of you and all your family
may we only share in simchas from now!!!
a friend of chana
I’m so impressed that you took the courage to write what you did.
I don’t know you either but I do know mendel plotke and he was cery close to us. So mendel and esther i am very sad and feel like we are family so Hashem should give you only brochos and simchas and your wife/mother/mother in law should be a gute beter and we should have moshiach now and no more tsar
Hamokom yinachem eschem besoch shaar aveilei tzion veyeruahalayim.
Dear Overlanders, every time I have sat at my computer to compose a small post, I have been unable to. My eyes start to well, my throat closes and I give up. Knowing what a loving family you are and having gotten to know you through your satellites here in Toronto, I can only hope that the small note I send, with our sincere feelings can mitigate, just a tiny bit, the pain you must be living with right now. May Hashem grant all of you the strength you will be needing to go on, HaMokom Yenachem Eschem, Besoch Kos… Read more »
Chana, i’m so sorry! i wish you and your family only simchas from now on! You are truly an inspiration to me!! Stay strong! You are a true role model! Xxx
A close friend.
Chana, you have taught our daughter and the rest of your class so unbelievably throughout this time despite all you and your family have been through. You continue to be a dugma chaya for our girls and I’m sure for your younger siblings too. May Hashem give you koach to continue and may all you teach be an aliya for your mother’s special neshama
Good warm memories of the Overlanders… This is so sad. Such a young vibrant shlucha of the Rebbe, so earnest and honest to the core, the best of the best of what a Jewish mother could be. The best! It tears one’s heart to pieces, like my own family. This is going to be a very difficult one to swallow. Please Hashem, we beg, enough is enough. Let yiddin live out biz 120+ as it’s meant to be. In this case to die at this tender age…..: “Si Past Nisht”!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UR AMAZING!
you have a smile on your face whenever i c u!
ur so strong!
may Hashem give u the strength to continue.
lots of love.
u made such an impact in my life.
my heart goes out for u!
continue to be the strong miriam.
love u
xxx
miriam… someone who i admire greatly. u r a true definition of what a lubavitch shlucha stands for. u never ever complained! and always went about ur day with a smile. u were always there to help everyone with care and love.
i never met someone as amazing as u!
may Hashem bless u and ur family with arichas yomim and only simchas
i love u soo soo much
thinking of u tonzzz
cuddle cuddle 😉
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miriam u are an insparation to all of us u went throgh so much recetly and we will never be able to imagine the pain and greif u ar going throgh but we are sure that ur mother is proud of u ,uare somone we all admire greatly may u live a long life and continue to be our role model
love year 10 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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I grew up in Buffalo and remember when the Overlanders were there. Gershon put tefillin on me for the first time.
Baruch dayan emes.
Rebbetzin Overlander was a Rebbetzen in Buffalo, New York
in about 1984. She greeted me at the Chabad House on N. Forest and made me feel comfortable in this new world of Yiddishkeit. she was going to boulevard mall so she took me along giving us time to talk and become friends. i was confused about what kosher meant so she took me to Parkedge super market and gave me a patient tour of what is kosher.
I know what you are going through and Hashem will give you the strength and courage to go foward and make your wife’s memory a real bracha and she will daven for the whole family to be strong. You should see only simchas from now, I want to be with you and hope I can speak with you. Boruch Dayan Haemes, AD MASI!! Moshiach now!!!!
When studying in the UK, I spent several shabboses by the Overlanders. She made me feel part of the family, I still carry the lesons I learnt in her house. I feel so sorry fot the whole family! Baruch dayan ha emet!
To answer #65 Please go to the Chabad of Hendon website:
http://www.justgiving.com/chadbad/donate
I’m being honest, I don’t know what to say… I think I know what you don’t want to hear but I don’t know what you do want to hear, if there is even anything at all. I never even knew your mother, that’s the truth but from what I hear, she was an amazing person and its clear now that she righteous enough to the extent that Hashem decided she was too good for this physical world. I wish, wish, wish there was something ‘practical’ I could do, that would truly help you… I think that of now, of present…… Read more »
Wishing you only happiness for the rest of your years from a classmate keep strong wish i could be there with you
unbelievable woman may her legacy live on rip
Your amazing and so is your family. You are such a strong girl and I hope that you only know of simchas health and happiness from here on. And may you merit to see moshiach and your mother speedily in our days!
Missing you.
For those looking to help the niftar:
http://goo.gl/Mr6c8
To Gershon and family, shi,
Baruch Dayan Emes, there are no words, what a warm, wonderful, sincere, humorous and real woman, a true light, May Hashem give your family nechama and strength, and may you be reunited b’karov, keref eyin with the geulah shalaymah.
Saddened to hear the news. Sara Leah was such an amazing person.
miriam … u r so amazing , strong, always doing whats right and are always there 4 ppl . you r an amazing friend! we r all here 4 u . may we only share happy times together. from a friend and classmate .
miriam!! im speechless…
you are such a great friend! always there for the good and to make us all happy! we are all thinking about you and are here for you!!
may we only share endless amounts of simchas!!
moshiachs coming!!
<3 <3 <3
Rabbi overlander has a great website called: chabadlive.com
Where u can probably find out more info, and how to contact them.
Boruch Dayan haemes, mrs overlander was a true inspiration to all who were privileged to know hero
hi miriam. just want to tell you that im really thinking about you. love from a friend.
miriam we r all hear 4 u … moshich now !
where to donate for the family?
As a bochur on shlichus in London, I fondly remember visiting the Overlanders, then shluchim in Oxford. Mrs Overlander had a heart of gold with amazing hachnosas orchim to everyone. R’ Gershon, may Hashem give you and your precious family the koach and nechama you need at this devastating time. May we zocheh teikef umiyad to bilah hamoves lonetzach, umocho Hashem dima m’al kol ponim!
You are so strong! You’ve always been cheerful to anyone upset, trying to cheer them up!
Baruch Dayan haemes!
So sad!
I think it is really special that someone who doesnt even the family personally would take he time to write what she did;
Being that she experienced first hand the same scenario, r”l, she took the time and trouble to write a few sincere words. Amazing person, and may she too know of no more pain
So sad. BDE… I remember eating at the house for a Shabbos meal while I was in Yeshiva… Such an incredible family…
BDE our hearts go out to the whole family.
miriam we have no words. our hearts are with you and your amazing family and we are always here whenever you need us. you are an inspiration to all of us…
may we only share continues simchas and may brachas be showered upon you
with love always
c.i
I used to live in the Overlanders’ home, more than twenty years ago, as a single girl working in Lubavitch in London. I remember the family’s hospitality very well, and I used to have many deep conversations with Sara Leah, sometimes deep into the night. I was very shocked when I saw just now that she passed away. My memories of her are preserved in time – as a young mother, then with about four children. I don’t know if the Overlanders remember me (Reuven, Monash, and Esther were little kids and Chaya Mushka was a tiny baby), but I… Read more »
u r so strong miriam!! u r so mature, amazing, always standing up for what is right….. may moshiach come now to take away all this suffering!! we are all here for you…. thinking about u…..love you!!!!!! C.J
Dear Overlander family…
I dont really know you personally but i somehow felt a need to write a comment… your mother looks like a very special lady…. hamakom yenachem oschem… mamash no words!!!! i understnad what you are going through becuase i too went through a loss like this…. my heart is crying together with you and i am thinking of you!
there are no words.
you are such an inspiring amazing person, you were always strong, mature and kindhearted despite everything. you never complained and faced life with a smile… i will always be here for you… may hashem comfort you and your special family and may you all know only happiness and brochos. i love you!
M.I
Miriam no words can express how amazing u are!
I’m thinking of u tonzz
love you loadss
and may u only know of simchas!
We are very saddened by the news of the passing of wonderful women, mother and shlucha par excellence. To our dear talmid Reuvain,his father Reb Gershon, Monaish, and the other beautiful children we offer words of comfort Hamakom Yinachem Eschem B’soch Shaar Aveilei Tzion V’yirushaliyim!
Soroh was a most amaznig person, who has now left behind, an equally amazing family and children;
Each of them an example in their own right; Good, sincere,people; May Hashem be there with them , through this, and give them the strength to overcome;
You are in all our hearts and thoughts at this time, and may we witness the coming of Moshach now ,who will wipe away all our tears and change them to tears of joy.
With respect and admiration to you all
I was going to speak for her womens’ circle last year, we had several nice conversations, she so much wanted me to come,from Israel to speak – but all of a sudden,I didn’t hear anything;. then someone told me she was not well. and now I receive this news
BDE,may her memory be a blessing for her whole misphocha and huaband, so sorry..chana schoenberg
Miriam, you are so strong and such an amazing person. Always looking out for others, even in the time of your own personal sadness. I have always admired your strength and I have never heard you complain ever. I will always be here for you. May you know no more sadness.
was a wonderful person and raised an amazing, kind and caring family. True examples of shluchim
may the family be comforted and may moshiach come now!! enough tzoros!!
Chaya were with u! We’re crying together! Stay strong! May ur mothers neshama have an Aliyah and go straight to Hashem and send Moshiach Now!!!! Amen!!!!
she was an amazing person, she will be missed
may her family see no more tzoros and may moshiach come NOW!!!!!!!!!
thinking of you during these hard times..
classmate!
You have been in our hearts and prayers daily!
HAMAKOM YENACHEM ESCHEM VETOCH SHAREY TZION VYERUSHALAIM.
Fellow Londoner
For me she was the most wonderful example of a mother, a wife, and a role model. When I think of what a Rebbetsen should be, I think of her.
May Hashem bring you close in shamayim and may your family be strong at this time.
BDE! may there be no more tzar
Friend from YGL
i DON’T KNOW THE FAMILY BUT i AM SO SORRY AND HASHEM HAS TO GIVE THEM ALL EXTRA STRENGTH – AND HE WILL. WE MOURNE WITH YOU.
BARUCH HASHEM – THE REBBE TOLD US THAT MOSHIACH IS BLINKS AWAY (AND TECHIAS HAMAISIM,, TO MEET AGAIN).
THE REBBE SAID MOSHIACH IS HERE AND WE HAVE OT JUST GET READY TO GREET HIM, SO HOW DO WE EXPLAIN ALL THIS PAIN & SUFFERING…YESTERDAY;S HAYOM YOM, IT IS CHEVLEI MOSHIACH & WHAT WE NEED TO DO TO AVOID IT BUT HAVEN’T WE ALL DONE ALL WE CAN???? MAYBE A HIMMEL GESHREI WITH ALL OUR HEARTS??? MAYBE SIMCHA & BITACHON THAT HINEI ZE BA’AH U’KVAF BA’SH???? HAMOKOM Y’NACHEM ESCHEM…MORE PAIN IS UNBEARABLE, HAVE WE NOT BEEN THROUGH ENOUGH HASHEM??? WHERE IS OUR REBBE, HIS TEARS MUST BE NON-STOP ALONG WIT HALL OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS PLUCKED FROM US TOO… Read more »
MIRIAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m cryig for you! I’ll do anything…just know that I – as well as the rest of us – am always there for you. You are one of the girls who I admire more than anyone else in the world..you were so strong, never complained about anything..
Love you!
SK
How so interesting that you are Number 12 and I, your mother, is Number 11!!! I know you and Nochum were so close to the Overlander family!!! May they be blessed with all the strength they need to get through this!!!
MOSHIACH NOW!!!
HAMAKOM YENACHEM ESCHEM VETOCH SHAREY TZION VYERUSHALAIM.
Simcha Freedman/London
she took me to school once a week
Terrible! Moshiach now!!!
Hamokom yenachem eschem
we love you yossi!!! stay strong!!!!
-montreal
THIS IS HORRIBLE
WHY? PLEASE HASHEM ENOUGH IS ENOUGH SEND MOSHIACH ALREADY.
HAMAKOM YENACHEM ESCHEM VETOCH SHAREY TZION VYERUSHALAIM.
From all of us in Poway CA
i am just shocked!!
SO SO SHOCKED-WHEN WILL IT STOP!!
remembering Sarah Leah as a young woman in our home, truly a daughter of the Rebbe, hosting her family at the time of her marriage to Gershon , watching her blossom into a wonderful, dedicated mother and shlucha….we feel the loss of this precious person..we wish her beautiful family comfort and only simchas and all revealed brochos and Moshiach immediately!
Yossi,
Hamakom Yenachem Yeschem Bsoch Shear Aveley Tzion Verushalyim
We are deeply saddened to hear of the untimely Petira of your mother Hashlucha.
מאוד עצוב!!!!!!!עד מתי???!!!!שבעז״ה בקרוב ממש נזכה לראות אותה עם מבני משפחתה בביאת משיח בקרוב ממש😔
I am so sad to hear this news, my heart is with you Esther! Hamokom yenachem eschem b’shoch shaar avolei tzion beyerushalayim.
Baruch Dayan haemes!!
This special woman led me into Machon Chana thirty years ago. Our paths crossed again a few years ago when she tried to make shidduchim for my children. She was such a kind, caring woman, so devoted to her family, her shlichus, all of us. I don’t know how her family could be comforted, except to know that so many of us around the world are touched by her or her children and wish deeply for Moshiach now. Baruch Dayan Haemes.
From the time when she lived in Manchester we knew the family as true soldiers ibergegeben belev vonefsh to raising true wonderful Chassidisher children and to the work of spreading the wellsprings of Toras Hachassidus to the whole Jewish community, to Reb Gershon, and the dear family may Hashem find the comfort for you and your Mishpochoh.
Hashem!!!!!!
Our hearts are broken at the loss of such a pure soul. She got her start in San Diego and was a tribute to all of the work of The Rebbe. She spent much time as a young person in our house and we are deeply saddened. May Hashem comfort my beautiful friend and fellow shaliach Reb Gershon along with all of her wonderful family among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. No more tragedies. We send you all of our love and good wishes.
Reuven and the entire family, our thoughts are with you. May Hashem comfort you and give you all the strength you need.
Hamokom yenachem eschem, and from now on only simchos in your family The Roth family from Miami
BDE, so sorry for your loss. We need Mashiach Now !!!!
I was in Machon Chana dorm with Sara Leah.
I am so sad and speechless
may hashem have rachmonus on us!
reuven, may hashem comfort you and may you only find happiness and joy!
your friends from 770
so sad i know one of her children, moshiach now
she was like a mother to me, i am so so sorry baruch dayan haemet, darren and i feel so sad for you all, words cant express the pain we feel
The whole community here in London is in mourning together with this most wonderful family; Tehillim had been said daily for months and months for Soroh Leah to have a Refuah Shlaimo, but Hashem wanted differently;
She has left a most beautiful, special family, every single one of them. True examples of children of Shluchim, which is what they are in the truest sense of the word.
May Hashem give them the strength to get through this tragedy and overcome their pain and huge loss.
We are with you, the whole community, as one, is with you
oruch Dayan Haemess
What?!!!???
Menachem I love you!
Hamokom yinachem eschem bsoichb
Shaar availai tzion viyerushaloyim
I am so terribly sorry for your loss.
She was such a wonderful person.
Baruch Dayan Haemes.
Rochel
Soo sad my heart is with the family
Fruma Freedman
Hashem said it was time for her to stop suffering and go upstairs! She was ill for about 2 years! It is very unfortunate that she was niftar on her daughter’s birthday and at such a young age!
May the family know of no more tzar!
HAMOKOM YENACHEM ESCHEM BESOCH SHAAR AVELEI TZION VIYERUSHOLAYIM
Baruch Dayan HaEmes. This is too terrible.
May the family be comforted. Enough sorrow, Mashiach should come right now!!!
We are all ready now, No more Golus
BDE
BDE 🙁
What a sweet wise gentle and inspirational woman and a warm, loving and amazingly tuned in mother she was.
My heart goes out to the whole family but especially to her young children in whose lives there will be such a gaping hole…
HAMOKOM YENACHEM ESCHEM BESOCH SHAAR AVELEI TZION VIYERUSHOLAYIM
How shocking, Shabbos was Miriam’s 15 birthday, her dear friends worked hard in preparing a Melava Malka in her honor….
why?????
too numb to say much more than you guys are in my heart and in my thoughts constantly
Terrible news.
Baruch Dayan Haemes