Veteran southern suburbs estate agent Pearl Sparks died on Sunday May 29. She was 87 years old.
Ms Sparks became a household name for thousands of property buyers during the course of her illustrious career, which spanned more than four decades.
Most of those years were spent with the Pam Golding Property Group, which, this week, paid tribute to her “amazing” feats in the local property industry.
Pam Golding Property group chief executive, Dr Andrew Golding, described her as “a true doyenne in the property industry” who was well-known countrywide for her continued success.
“Pearl was there with the founder and life president, Pam, at the very start of the formation of the Pam Golding Property group, and her passing leaves an enormous hole in our hearts. We extend our sincere condolences to her family and friends,” he said.
“She has been an inspiration to everyone who came into contact with her, including clients, colleagues and competitors. The epitome of professionalism and making a significant contribution to the success of the business over the years, Pearl set a benchmark for the property industry that every real estate practitioner can aspire to, long into the future.”
Ms Sparks, who leaves behind four children as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was known for her glamour and style, and was a familiar sight around Rondebosch, where she lived.
According to Dr Golding, she could recall even subtle details of properties simply from the mention of an address.
“Hard-working and competitive, Pearl could often oversee 14 show houses on one Sunday alone. She had an incredible network, proof of which is that her phone never stopped ringing, keeping her two PAs and daughter, who assisted her with all the behind-the-scenes work while she carried out what she did best – personal interaction with clients and closing sales.
“A consummate professional, even while in hospital after major surgery, she was soon on the phone, closing another transaction.”
During her 35 years at Pam Golding, she consistently achieved the group’s prestigious Gold Club status, as well as the coveted Emerald Circle status, which is reserved for the very top echelon of high-achieving agents.
Laurie Wener, Pam Golding Property senior executive for developments in the Cape region, said Ms Sparks was “a remarkable woman”.
“She really was amazing. She formed lifelong relationships with her clients, and she was always someone who was impeccably dressed,” Ms Wener said.
“What was incredible is that she worked right up until the end. She just had such a passion for what she did, and was such a hard worker.”