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Beatrice

(Theise)

Israel

Obituary

Beatrice (Theise) Israel, 92 years of age of Lauderhill, FL, formerly of West Hartford, died suddenly Saturday, November 7, 2020. She was the widow of Kurt M Israel z”l. Born Beate Theisebach in Grossen-Linden, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Bernhard and Henriette (Simon) Theise. To know her was to love her. Bea had a loving nature and greeted and embraced everyone with a radiant smile. Everyone mentions how giving she was. Her motto in life was to give with a “warm hand”. Family was everything to her and her sons were the light of her life. She cherished every moment with family and friends. Her daughter-in-law Pat coined the phrase “Bea had no acquaintances only friends”. After experiencing Kristallnacht and the horrors that followed, her family immigrated to America. After moving to Hartford, CT she attended the Arsenal School and, later, the Henry Barnard Brown School and Hartford High School. In1943, she became an American citizen and changed her name to Beatrice. Her parents – who had changed their last name to Theise — were among a group of German Jews and Holocaust survivors who founded Congregation Tikvoh Chadoshoh which years later would merge with Newington’s Congregation B’nai Sholom to become B’nai Tikvoh-Sholom. Bea would serve as Sisterhood President and later in life become Bat Mitzvah. She met her husband, Kurt Israel z”l also German who was a survivor of Auschwitz, at a Chanukah party at Tikvoh Chadoshoh and they married in 1948. Together with partners they established Hartford Kosher Caterers, opening a banquet hall in East Windsor called Imperial Caterers. People came from all over to celebrate life cycle events. Together they had great joy in catering hundreds of weddings and Bar and Bat mitzvah’s. They also catered many civic events including The Greater Hartford Open. Bea also had the honor of serving President Gerald Ford a prime rib dinner when he visited to Hartford. On the 70th anniversary of her becoming an American citizen she hosted a party for friends and relatives to mark this very important event in her life. As a Holocaust survivor Bea took great pride in speaking to students and educators about her experience as a child growing up in Germany. She would end each discussion with how great it is to be an American and that hate has no place in the world and the importance to love one another. She wholeheartedly supported The Voices of Hope an organization that is a leader in Holocaust education. A loving mother, grandmother, GG, and aunt, she is survived by her sons, Jeffrey Israel and his wife Patricia of Bristol CT, and Steven Israel and his partner Sharon Snowiss of Alpharetta, GA; four grandchildren, Jonathan Israel of Bristol, CT ; Matthew Israel and his wife Gina of Antioch, IL; Alana Funderburke and her husband William of Del Ray Beach, FL ; Kyle Israel of Atlanta GA and great-grandchildren, Ava and Domenic Israel of Bristol, CT, Scarlett Israel of Antioch, IL, Nephews Gary Lowenstein and his wife Frances of West Hartford, CT and Alan Lowenstein and his wife Miriam and their families. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 12 at 1PM at Congregation Tikvoh Chadoshoh Cemetery, Clubhouse Rd., Windsor, CT with Rabbis Deborah Cantor, Jeff Bennett and Cantor Sabrina Lipton officiating. The family asks that friends respect COVID-19 restrictions the State of CT has placed on large gatherings and that the graveside service be attended by immediate family only. The graveside service will be available on line and a link will be provided. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Voices of Hope https://voices-of-hope-inc.networkforgood.com; B’nai Tikvoh Shalom; Temple Sinai. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford, CT. For further information, directions, or to sign the guest book for Bea, please visit online at www.weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm.

Funeral

Deceased On:

Saturday, November 7, 2020

Service Date:

Thursday, November 12, 2020

Service Time:

1:00 PM

Location:

Graveside
Congregation Tikvoh Chadoshoh Cemetery

10 Clubhouse Road
Windsor, CT 06095

Contributions:

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Voices of Hope https://voices-of-hope-inc.networkforgood.com; B’nai Tikvoh Shalom; Temple Sinai.

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Topic: Bea Israel’s Memorial Service
Time: Nov 12, 2020 12:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
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Guest Book For

Beatrice Israel

(Theise)

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From: Yvette & Mark Barnett

From Coral Springs, FL

Posted On: May 10, 2021

Dear Family Of Bea, I just learned of her passing, and I am so very sad. Bea was a very good friend of my grandmother's Miriam Barnett and she became my friend as well as we volunteered together at Temple Beth Am for Bingo Mondays. Bea was a wonderful, loving, kind lady. We enjoyed her company on many occasions, and we were fortunate to have more than 5 holocausts survivors around the table also multiple times. It was enriching for us all to hear their stories of survival, and especially the hope that many of them carried with them in their hearts. To teach us, to be better and do better. I am so very sorry for your loss. I am so very sad that I will not be able to get together for a nosh with my friend again. She was loved loved loved by all who knew her. Blessings. Yvette & Mark Barnett

From: Steven P Feltman

From WEST HARTFORD, CT

Posted On: November 15, 2020

I was so sorry to hear about Bea passing. I grew up with Jeff and Steven in Hartford on Tower Ave. Bea was a great person who was always kind and treated me and our family, like family. My deepest condolences to the family. May Bea's memory be for a blessing.

From: Gerry Brooks

From Glastonbury, CT

Posted On: November 15, 2020

Jeff, I’m so sorry for your loss. What a good, long, and remarkable life your mother led.

From: Lisa, Sam & Kasen Mehta

From Waxhaw, NC

Posted On: November 14, 2020

Jeff, Pat, Jonathan & Matthew and family,
Heartbroken at the news of Bea’s passing. She was larger than life and always greeted us with a big smile and a hug. She made you feel like the most important person in the room. May memories of a life well lived comfort you during this difficult time. Sending you hugs and our deepest sympathies from Charlotte, NC. Love always,
Lisa, Sam & Kasen

From: Andrea Leibman

From West Hartford, CT

Posted On: November 12, 2020

Beatrice was one of my favorite people I got to see at Temple. Her smile always made me feel positive and happy. She will be missed by every person who had the pleasure of meeting her. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. With love, Andrea

From: Julie McClymont

From Lauderhill, FL

Posted On: November 12, 2020

Bea has a special way of inspiring others. She helped to restore my faith in humanity with her true friendship. Everything about her— her laughter, her kind words, her humor, her optimism, her excitement, her beautiful smile, her great love of her family and friends —and even her love of baseball and chocolate — made her simply beautiful❤️ May warm memories comfort those who are hurting. Heaven has welcomed a new angel. My deepest condolences to Jeffrey, Steven, Alana, and the rest of Bea’s beloved family and dear friends.

From: Sarah & Neil Herzig

From Dunwoody, GA

Posted On: November 11, 2020

Our thoughts are with your family during this difficult time. Bea and Kurt were dear friends to my parents, Sheila and Joseph Cohen. I also remember several fun get togethers with Bea and her warm smile and caring nature. May your memories be a blessing to you all.

From: Michele

From Berlin, CT

Posted On: November 11, 2020

Dear Jeff and Pat,
I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. I will always remember her beautiful smiling face and how friendly she was. I just lost my Mother at the age of 99, so they both lived long lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

From: Glenn Shor

From Berkeley, Ct

Posted On: November 11, 2020

Rest In Peace Bea.
Bea was my Cub Scout den mother in Hartford in the late 50s and I remember meetings at her house with Jeff (a year older than me). She always had a bright smile and greeting (and great snacks), and I remember seeing her at my folks 75 th wedding anniversary in 2018 as well as other events over the years. Jeff and Steven, your mom was special and she’s stayed in my memory. May your memories be sweet and lasting.

From: Candace Hall

From Manchester, CT

Posted On: November 11, 2020

My condolences to Bea's family and friends. I first met Bea when I was a member of Congregation Tikvoh Chadoshoh - a gracious, giving woman with a great sense of humor. I feel fortunate to have known her.

From: Helga Allweiss

From West Hartford, CT

Posted On: November 11, 2020

Was completely shocked when I opened my iPad a couple of minutes ago and found the message from. Voices of Hope. Bea and her family had a very special bond with me and my family. We were fortunate, five months after Kristallnacht, to share the same journey on the S.S. President Harding from Germany to the U.S., arriving here on April 9, 1939. Surprisingly, we all wound up in Hartford. Bea and Kurt were very special people, and I was looking forward to (virtually) being with her when she was, imminently, to receive the Voices of Hope award. My heartfelt condolences to all the family. May her memory always be for a blessing.

From: Linda (Schwartz) & Bob Rauch

From San Diego, CA

Posted On: November 11, 2020

Jeff & Steve
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Your mother was one of my favorite people!
We were so honored when your parents came out of retirement to cater our wedding
at Tikvoh Chadosha, as well as being guests at our wedding! Many happy memories!

From: marilyn schaller

From west hartford, CT

Posted On: November 11, 2020

I was an honor to know Bea and love her. Spence, Chubby, and I worked many jobs with Bea and Kurt. They were the best!!!!! Bea will be sadly missed.

From: Deborah Klein

From Sun City Center, Florida

Posted On: November 10, 2020

Bea was one of a kind. Her story is one of incredible strength and grace. May memories of the good times you shared be a source of comfort. Much love to the Israel clan.

From: Barbara Cornwell

From Bristol, Ct

Posted On: November 10, 2020

Rest In Peace Bea! Thank you for the laughs and caring you showed me over the years! I have been so fortunate to have known you. I will always remember you!

From: BARRY S. SNYDER

From WEST HARTFORD, Connecticut

Posted On: November 10, 2020

Dear JEFFREY and LOVED ONES - - Condolences to you and all of your LOVED ONES, BEA was a
very "SPECIAL LADY" and will be missed by MANY including the "NEW YORK YANKEES " as she
was one of their BIGGEST FANS !!!! "WHEN SOMEONE YOU LOVE BECOMES A MEMORY "
THE MEMORY BECOMES A TREASURE " Sincerely, BARRY

From: Kathy Berube

From Rocky Hill, Connecticut

Posted On: November 10, 2020

Losing my 'Aunt Bea' is a devastating loss in my life. She was a real gem, fun-loving, and very magnetic. She has always played a big part in my life, being my mom's best friend & catering our wedding, the first gentile wedding that she & Uncle Kurt vended. Rest in peace, lovely lady..you are in heaven with the best.

From: Lori and John

From Highland village, Tx

Posted On: November 10, 2020

The world lost a great one! It didn’t matter if you were the President of the United States or a hard worker at the grocery store-Bea treated everyone with kindness! I am grateful our paths crossed and will always remember how she would look at you with this smile that made you feel so special.
Uncle Jeff, Aunt Pat, Jon, Matt, Steve and family-my heart goes out to you!

From: Sarah Kadden

From Groton, CT

Posted On: November 10, 2020

I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Mrs. Israel as the warmest, most joyful person in the room. Every time I saw her. My family adored her. May her memory be a blessing.

From: Melissa and Alivia Geller

From West Hartford, CT

Posted On: November 10, 2020

Dear Jeff and Family,
Alivia and I cannot begin to tell you how sorry we are for your loss. We were so blessed to be able to spend time with Bea and listen to her story. This is truly a loss for anyone that was lucky to have known her. We promise to always keep her memory alive.
Melissa and Alivia Geller

From: marilyn scheinblum

From bloomfield, ct

Posted On: November 10, 2020

i am so sorry for your loss. She always had a kind word and her smile lit up the room.. She always made you feel special . She will be missed.

Sincerely,
Marilyn Klein Scheinblum

From: Milton and Judith Wolf

From Thousand Oaks, CA

Posted On: November 10, 2020

Dear Jeff and Steve, we were so sad to hear of your beloved mother's passing. She and your father were so important to us for our Bar Mitzvah's, Wedding, and every other wonderful celebrations at Tikvoh Chadosha. So kind, caring, and diligent in everything they did for us, and so many others over the years. As a loving couple, they worked so hard and long to serve others, and assure that everything was PERFECT! You and I knew each other pretty well back then. When I could not master the art of blowing the Shofar, you stepped in and performed marvelously, year after year. We will remember you and them forever. Love to you and your families. Milt and Judy Wolf,

From: Elaine Dobrutsky

From Lake Worth, FL

Posted On: November 10, 2020

Dear Jeffrey, Steven & Family,
A true Eshet Chayil, a Woman of Valor, has passed away. I was saddened to read her obituary, but had a smile on my face recalling wonderful memories of such a lovely lady. May her Memory Be For a Blessing!
Fondly,
Elaine Dobrutsky

From: Mark Merin

From Bloomfield, Ct

Posted On: November 10, 2020

Jeff and Pat, Steven and Sharon and families
I am so saddened to hear of Miss Bea’s passing. I reflect on the many memories that we shared together, truly a “woman of valor”. I can visually remember the year 1964 sitting at your dining room table with a roll of quarters, no we weren’t gambling. We were designing a floor plan for my upcoming Bar Mitzvah, the quarters being tables. Your parents were amazing people, full of life and full of giving in order to make everyone happy and content. As my children always referred to her as Miss Bea, I too will cherish those memories that Miss Bea has left behind. My sincerest sympathy on this tremendous loss

Mark Merin

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