Kaufman, Beatrice Marie (née Weitzel) (Died)

Passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in Tavistock, on Monday, September 28, 2020. Family were honoured to celebrate her 100th birthday with her on April 6, 2020.

Cherished daughter of the late Emerson and Sarah (Wilker) Weitzel. She was predeceased by her loving husband William (Bill) Louis Kaufman (2011).

Beatrice was born in Tavistock, Ontario on April 6, 1920. She attended Stratford Collegiate Vocational Institute after high school, and worked in the family owned Emerson Weitzel's General Store in Tavistock and in the office at Avalon Fabrics in Stratford before her marriage to Bill in 1948. She then farmed alongside her husband on the 14th line of East Zorra-Tavistock at Will-Bea Home, caring for her family, raising beef cattle, and operating a livestock transportation business. Beatrice was an active, faithful member of Hebron United Church and United Church Women, and is remembered for making the "best" potato salad at the annual Oxford County Cattlemen's Association beef barbeque. In the community she led 4-H Homemaking Clubs for many years. For the last 8 years, peopleCare provided her a caring home.

Lovingly remembered by eight children JoAnne and John Merrylees of London, John and Carol Kaufman of Woodstock, Bob and Irene Kaufman of Cassel, Chuck and Pam Kaufman of Buffalo, Linda and Randy Zehr of Guelph, Mike and Beth Kaufman of Tavistock, Marilyn and Gary Pearson of Tavistock, and Janet and Randy Greenlaw of Oro-Medonte.

She will be sadly missed by her 20 grandchildren - John (Jackie) Merrylees, Rebecca (Shane) Withenshaw, Peter (Rhonda) Kaufman, Jennifer Kaufman (Soma Nathan), Sarah Kaufman, Lisa (Gary) Benbow, Laura Kaufman (Matt Wakonig), Karla Van Nes, Christopher (Sarah) Kaufman, Anne (JJ) Moser, Emily (Branko) Oluic, Ashley Zehr (Phil Chlup), Dan Zehr (Natalie Wadia), Amber (Brett) Jackman, Melissa Kaufman, Jeremy Kaufman, Megan (Paul) Phillips, Kyle Pearson (Hayley McKay), Jill Greenlaw and Chad Greenlaw, and 21 great-grandchildren - Avery and Bradlie Merrylees, Zayden and Logan Withenshaw, Phoenix, Maxton, and Xavier Cameron, Jackson Kaufman, Lucas Benbow, Charlie and Leanna Van Nes, Isabel, Madeline and Audrey Kaufman, Ian and Charlotte Moser, Anneliese Chlup, Hazel and Ruby Jackman, Matthew Phillips and Gracelyn Pearson.

Beatrice was predeceased by her sister Dorothy and brother-in-law Clayton Berg, her brother Henry and sister-in-law Dorit. She was loved and predeceased by Bill's sisters and brothers and their spouses. She is remembered by many nieces, nephews and their families.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Beatrice's life will be held at a later date, due to current circumstances with the COVID-19 pandemic.

If desired, memorial donations to Hebron United Church would be appreciated by etransfer hebrontreasurer@gmail.com or mailing a cheque to Hebron United Church, 516327, 11th line, Tavistock, ON N0B 2R0 or through Francis Funeral Home by calling 519-655-2431. Personal condolences can be posted at www.francisfh.ca