Bergen County Teacher Who Died Gets Tribute From Yankees Podcaster

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Everyone has at least one special teacher they remember fondly for decades — often more than one. But do we get the chance to go back and thank them?

A Bergen County native and sports podcaster posted a tribute to his Mahwah High School teacher who passed away earlier this month, saying he wished he'd gone back to talk to her.

"Mrs. Beatrice," a.k.a Yvonne Beatrice, died on Nov. 1 at age 73. A Mahwah resident, she had taught in Ridgewood and Hawthorne before teaching American history and constitutional law at Mahwah High School, her obit said.

Podcaster Chris Kailath wrote on Facebook, "I'm saddened to hear that Mrs. Beatrice, my high school sophomore-year history teacher, has passed away. She was an awesome teacher, probably the kindest I had in all four years at Mahwah High School. She was always patient, caring, and full of warmth.

"She was a huge Yankees fan. I had hoped our paths would cross again someday so I could tell her about co-hosting a Yankees podcast, interviewing CC Sabathia, and becoming friendly with Luke Weaver ... she made history fun and enjoyable. I'll always cherish her lessons and our small Yankees talks. It was truly an honor and a privilege to have been her student. Rest in peace Mrs. Beatrice."

A commenter mentioned her own special teacher in Cedar Grove and wrote, "Sometimes u find that special teacher that gives time and patience it’s a beautiful time in life & we cherish those moments sorry for your loss."

"It’s a lesson that I try to teach all of the kids I coach and train," wrote another commenter, "If there’s a teacher or coach or anyone in your life who has impacted you positively, you should make sure that you always let them know because at some point it will be too late, and it means the world to them."

Beatrice died of pancreatic cancer a week before her 74th birthday.

"Yvonne would dress as historical characters, create historical board games, and encourage participation in local governance meetings," says her obit, which noted that during her retirement, she served on the boards of the Mahwah Historical Preservation Committee and Mahwah Museum.

She had met her husband while taking her students on a field trip to the Bergen County courthouse in the 1970s, when he was trying a case, the obit says. Together, they founded and coached the Mahwah High School Mock Trial Team.

Read more of Kailath's tribute here.