Beloved Animal Advocate, Homewood Trustee's Wife Leaves Behind Legacy Of Love

HOMEWOOD, IL — A treasured Homewood woman and the wife of a longtime Homewood trustee is being remembered for her passion for animal advocacy, warmth and "deep devotion to both people and pets."

Beryll “BJ” Yates-Heiferman, died Aug. 1 at her Homewood residence, her obituary reads. Her death followed a years-long battle with cancer, family said. Yates-Heiferman was a "lifelong animal rescue advocate and a beloved member of the horse and animal rescue communities."

Yates-Heirferman and Jay Heiferman were together 35 years cultivated into "a life filled with love, deep friendship, and devotion."

Through her contributions to animal rescue, BJ "had a special gift for pairing people with the pets who belonged in their lives," family wrote in her obituary. She was a "quiet matchmaker of people and animals, creating many, many forever homes and cherished bonds.

"... she formed lasting friendships through her love of animals and her gentle, caring nature."

Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld shared his own poignant reflection on her.

“She’s a lovely lady," Hofeld said. "She and I shared for a love for animals. She helped transport dogs and vouched for me for being a good home for rescued animals. She cared about the Village of Homewood and we will miss her dearly.”

BJ devoted herself to rescue work, while also fostering a career as a legal secretary. She also later became a rescue transport driver, "facilitating the safe journeys of hundreds of animals to shelters and foster families."

"Her kindness and generosity reached so many in need," shared Manhattan, Illinois-based Forget Me Not Animal Rescue on social media. "Her presence will be missed on Tuesday transports as well as the huge loss in the world of rescue. There will never be another BJ and our hearts go out to her family and friends. I know the rescue community mourns, but the animals from cats to horses in Heaven have a mile long line to greet her."

The Village of Homewood shared news of her death on its social media, with condolences pouring in from the community.

"Thankful for her years of dedicated and loyal service to homeless animals," one wrote. "It’s not an easy job ... She’s an angel for doing it."

"Oh this hurts my heart so much!" another shared. "She was such a wonderful person and I will truly miss our talks and conversations about our dogs and life experiences. She will be truly missed."

BJ 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."

Services have passed. Donations in her memory may be made to Fido's Landing of Homewood.