Obituary of Beatrice YUFFE

January 20, 1927 – Winnipeg, Manitoba

June 5, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

With much gratitude for a long life well lived we sadly announce the passing of Beatrice Yuffe. She will be greatly missed by her daughter Marilyn Sheftel, her son Hartley Yuffe and daughter-in-law Cita Wasserman. Bubby Bea’s loss will be profoundly felt by her granddaughters Tracey Sheftel Holland (Mark), Danielle Sheftel and Carrie Sheftel Fryer (Dominic), and her adoring great-grandchildren Jeremy, Haylie, Hudson, Harper, Hayden, Hank, Sloane and Johnnie. As the last member of her generation she will be fondly remembered by her cherished nieces and nephews across North America.

Beatrice was predeceased by her husband of fifty-seven years Abraham, her parents Harry and Freda Polsky, brother Murray Polsky, sister Shirley Kapitan and in-laws Aaron and Faiga Yuffe. In 1991 she felt a deep loss by the passing of her beloved son-in-law Harvey Sheftel.

Born and raised in Winnipeg, she and Abe married in 1947. They resided there until 1966 when the family moved to Calgary. Bea spent many years in the retail world and in particular the jewelry industry. She sent many a young couple out of the store with their engagement ring and wedding bands… an accomplishment that always brought a smile to her face. Even while working full time into her 70’s she was always inspired to plan joyous family dinners and memorable celebrations.

She was a dedicated member and volunteer at the Beth Tzedec congregation for fifty-three years, serving as Sisterhood president and Synagogue Board member. The entire Calgary community was the beneficiary of her abundant energy, talent and kindness. More recently she felt blessed to work with the women in her condo craft group to knit baby blankets for the premature infants in the Neo-Natal ICU. 

The family will be eternally grateful to her amazing caregivers from Home Instead, Dr. Trevor Chan and the compassionate team on Unit 32 at the Foothills Hospital. Our heartfelt thank you to our friend Holly Johnson for her exceptional commitment and support.

Due to current regulations a family service has been held. When conditions allow there will a commemoration to celebrate Bea’s incredible life.

If desired, a donation may be made to the children’s charity, Yachad fund at Calgary Jewish Federation. Please call 403-444-3157 or email jswitzer@jewishcalgary.org.