Funeral Details

Beryll "BJ" Yates-Heiferman

SERVICE INFORMATION

Date and Time

Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 11:00 AM

Service

Temple Beit Shalom
10001 Columbia Avenue
Munster, Indiana 46321
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Clergy

Rabbi Gidon Isaacs
Temple Beit Shalom

Interment

Beverly Cemetery
12000 South Kedzie Avenue
Blue Island, Illinois 60406
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Gathering

Idlewild Country Club
19201 Dixie Highway
Flossmoor, Illinois 60422
708.798.0514
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3PM-7:30PM with minyan at 6:30PM.

Memorial Contributions

Fido’s Landing of Homewood
708.960.2496
givebutter.com/Yates-HeifermanCriticalCareFund




OBITUARY

Beryll “BJ” Yates-Heiferman, Devoted Pet Advocate

Beryll “BJ” Yates-Heiferman, a lifelong animal rescue advocate known for her warmth, humor, and deep devotion to both people and pets, died on August 1, 2025, at her home in Homewood, Illinois.

Throughout her life, BJ had a special gift for pairing people with the pets who belonged in their lives. She became a quiet matchmaker of people and animals, creating many, many forever homes and cherished bonds. A beloved member of the horse and animal rescue communities, she formed lasting friendships through her love of animals and her gentle, caring nature.

While devoting herself to rescue work, BJ also built a career as a legal secretary. Later, she spent several years as a rescue transport driver, facilitating the safe journeys of hundreds of animals to shelters and foster families.

BJ and her husband, Jay Heiferman, shared 35 years together—a life filled with love, deep friendship, and devotion. She also leaves behind her adored dogs Bennie and Larry; cats Bandit, Princess Leah, Bunny, Squishy, and Romeo; and horses Tootsie and Flikka—all of whom she dearly loved, and who loved her in return.

She is survived by her beloved sisters, Barbara (David) Slivnick and Beth Hunter; her in-laws, Kenneth (Kim) Heiferman, Beth Heiferman, Gary Heiferman (Paul Buenvenida), Scott Heiferman, and Darren Hunter; and her nieces and nephews, Jeremy (Sarah) Slivnick, Elyssa Slivnick, Daniel (Holly) Heiferman, Michael Heiferman, Jeffrey Heiferman, Lila Jane Heiferman, and Wyatt Heiferman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sol and Shirley Yates.

She was deeply loved by her family and many friends, who will remember her for her kindness, warmth, and unwavering care. Her love will be remembered always.

Donations in her memory may be made to Fido’s Landing of Homewood (708-960-2496).
givebutter.com/Yates-HeifermanCriticalCareFund

Services Tuesday, 11AM at Temple Beit Shalom, 10001 Columbia Avenue, Munster, IN 46321. Interment Beverly Cemetery. To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com.


GUEST BOOK

We encourage you to share your personal condolences and stories of Beryll "BJ" Yates-Heiferman below and we will share them with the family.
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So very sad to hear the news of BJ’s passing! My thoughts and condolences to Jay, Barb, Beth and the rest of the families. I wish I could be there with you, but you are in my thoughts. Sending lots of love and hugs.
Joanne

Joanne Segal
August 1, 2025
I am so sorry about BJ. She was truly a great and lovely person. May the Lord be with you at this very hard time.

Debbie Avery
August 1, 2025
Great people leave great memories and BJ was one of those great people. I've been friends with BJ for over 30+ years. I was supposed to have visited her this past Monday, however she was already slipping away. I pray for peace for all the loved ones she left behind and especially for Jay. BJ's and Jay's love and generosity made them very special. I was a recipient of 2 dogs that BJ matched up to me. I'm going to miss her soooo much.

Kay Sutton Statz
August 1, 2025
My prayers and deepest condolences are with Jay and the entire Yates and Heiferman family.

Julie Willis
August 1, 2025
Jay,
My heartfelt condolences to you on the loss of your loving and caring wife.
Wishing you peace, comfort and strength. May loving memories carry you through the days ahead. I hope that you find comfort in knowing how many people care about you

Vivian Harris-Jones
August 1, 2025
Sharon and I extend our deepest condolences to her husband J and the family.

Gilbert Wise
August 1, 2025
I’m so sorry to see this. BJ and I shared many years working together at Baker. This breaks my heart. She will be missed.

Kathy Basil
August 1, 2025
BJ was a such a bright light. She shared her horse Taxi with me for lessons so many years ago. We shared a wine and paint your dog girlfriend night out. She was always just a text away if you needed her or wanted to get together. I’ll miss her dearly. She was truly an amazing, one-of-a-kind person that will be deeply missed.

Susan Thompson
August 1, 2025
So sorry to hear of BJ's passing. My heart goes out to Jay and family. BJ was a beautiful light in this world, always helping people and animals in every way she could. I've never met a more sweet and thoughtful person. BJ will be dearly missed.

Karen Fishella
August 1, 2025
Our deepest condolences to Jay and the whole family. The world lost truly one of best people on the planet. I have known BJ virtually my whole adult life, over 50 years. Last year she took time out of her hectic day of giving to spend time with my wife Glenda and myself. We had not seen her in decades, and there she was that same unique good, no excellent person, just chatting as we had always done, working to make the world a better place. The epitome of friendship. I am a better person because of BJ. The world is a better place because of BJ.

Ed Bailey-Mershon
August 2, 2025
Bj it was a pleasure and honor knowing you.
I am sad we never got our lunch
I know you are definately I’m the animal section of heaven for all those you helped to a new life. Rest In Peace my friend

Linda Carbon
August 2, 2025
My dear cousins,
Nothing I could say or do could make the pain of this horrible experience disappear. I had no knowledge of Beryls ill health for all these years and I’m sorry about that. I am devastated for all of you ! and Know that only beautiful memories and time will help dissipate the pain and agony of this tragedy!
Beryl. was a wonderful kind person with a great sense of humor and appreciation for all of the good things life has to offer! She was lucky enough to have a sweet kind supportive loving husband for all those years! May her memory be a giant blessing!
Sending lots of love warm wishes .
Cousin Linda. LA I

Linda Spilky
August 2, 2025
I’m
Truly in shock hearing this . I met
Bj at the park walking her dog Gigi many years ago. I was a dog
Walked in the area walking a beagle daily . We met up a few times and always talked . Eventually i watched Gigi Ernie Dewey and Waldo. Not to mention all the kitties . She had a house full and filled with so much love and laughter . She truly was such a great person , filled with compassion and I think a true understanding for all walks of life . When Covid hit w we lost touch. We connected through Facebook post and sharing dog stuff. When she got her last dog she sent me a text with the picture and told me here’s the newest rest. I was so happy for her as I knew she was down to Benny and the cats . I knew that pup would have a great life . I reached out to her last year with a critical message concerning a dog not being taken care of in town. She related the message immediately to the proper channels and the city stepped in . I couldn’t thank her enough for helping . I will never forget her generosity and love for people and pets. I’ve cried many tears since yesterday in disbelief. I can’t imagine her home without her. I will truly miss you friend.

Kathy Ciszek
August 2, 2025
Jay,

You have my deepest condolences. Hopefully, the beautiful memories of your wife will help you to move forward.

Warmly,
Karen

Karen Washington
August 4, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of BJ's passing. She was helpful and friendly to me when I first came to work at Baker McKenzie.. I would like to see the service live, but i am unable to attend. I hope to view the service tonight when I get home.
I didn't realize that she was married to Jay Heiferman. My condolences to him and both of the families.

Peggy Butler
August 5, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of BJ's passing. My prayers are for her loved ones and family. She was so kind to my daughter as they both were passionate about animals. You all are in my prayers on this day as you celebrate her life.
Betsy

Betsy Jansen
August 5, 2025
What a great-hearted woman! Beloved of her family and whisperer to all sentient beings.

She was already infused with the essence of life… may she be wrapped in the wings of compassion from which her unique soul was born. And may you, her grieving family, be comforted to see her fingerprints remain visible in the many lives she touched.
Riki

Riki Lippitz
August 5, 2025
BJ -- We are all better having known you and the world is a better place because you were in it. You'll be so very missed, by creatures great and small.
Jay -- Sending you so much love in this time of your deep loss. I am so sorry.

Lauren Stauss
August 5, 2025
I met BJ many years ago. I will not forget the first day I met her and her fiery white Arabian Taxi. Taxi like many of the animals BJ squires was a horse with a huge personality and opinions! Bj was one of the kindest ladies I had ever met and I did not think the relationship would work but over time boy, did the relationship work. Bj was just the person Taxi needed and over time he dropped his armor and started to trust BJ. I was blessed to play a very small role as a guide in this process and although I was the person giving the lesson I received so much back in return. I was blessed with a friendship that would span many years. I know Taxi was sure to push his way to the front of the line as BJ transitioned to that next place. I surely will miss my friend, I know deep in my heart she lives on waiting for the day when we will meet again.

Susan Lafferty
August 5, 2025
Dear Jay,
I am so sorry to hear about your beloved BJ…
I hope that many beautiful memories comfort you and your grief.

Bonnie Rubin

Bonnie Rubin
August 5, 2025
For me, BJ I was a role model for the love and compassion we need more of in this world. In addition to donating, I plan on doing extra acts of kindness for the month of August — especially to those who care for others in some capacity. While I didn’t see her as often in recent years, she will forever be a member of my close community since my childhood.

Anna Celander
August 5, 2025
BJ was the epitome of a wonderful, caring, and loving woman . She epitomized what a beautiful human being represents with her true love of people and our precious animals. I was privileged to know her. Her goodness and light will shine brightly forever. Baruch Dayan Ha'Emet. Her beautiful neshama and kindness will live on forever. My love and deepest sy.pathy to her entire family.

Linda Block

Linda Block
August 6, 2025
I'm still in shock reading this news. BJ's passing has left me heartbroken. I have fond memories of working with her at Baker & McKenzie in the 90s, bonding over our shared love for animals and rescue. Her kindness and generosity of spirit made a lasting impact on me. My thoughts are with Jay and the family during this difficult time, and I offer my deepest condolences and prayers.

Christine Casey
August 7, 2025
Jay- we are so sorry to hear of Beryll’s passing. We found out about it too late to attend services. We will keep her and your family in our prayers. It was wonderful to read her Obituary and know how much she cared for others and our furry friends. Take care Jay and we hope to see you soon at the “Round Table”.
Harry & Brenda…

Harry Dohman
August 8, 2025