Caroline Yaffe, age 98, of Paducah, KY passed away on Friday, June 28, 2019 at Superior Care Home.
Caroline was the daughter of Eve and Sam Finkel (of the former Finkel’s Fair Store) and wife of the late Victor Yaffe. She was a member of Temple Israel. Caroline attended Stephens College in Columbia, MO and Northwestern University in Evanston, IL where she was among the first graduates trained in early childhood education. She returned to Paducah to live, and in the late 1930’s she… organized one of the first kindergarten programs in the area through the Paducah Day Nursery. Caroline continued to support child education throughout her life. For many years she was active in Girl Scouts as a troop leader and worked as a volunteer teacher for dyslexic children in Paducah’s schools. Later in life, she delighted in volunteering for Story Hour at the McCracken County Public Library.
As a supporter of West Kentucky Community and Technical College, Caroline established the Yaffe Family Culinary Arts Scholarship.
For many years, Caroline served as a volunteer for the Market House Museum. She enjoyed researching local history, presenting papers on Irvin Cobb, life aboard Ohio River towboats, and more as a member of the Delphic Club. Caroline loved Paducah and took great pride in her community’s accomplishments.
She is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth Resnick and husband, Michael, of Paducah and Katherine Rose Yaffe of Boulder, Colorado; two sons, Michael Yaffe and wife, Nancy, of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Max Richard Yaffe and wife, Joan Amatniek, of Newtown, Pennsylvania; one sister, Marcia Finkel Nemer of Paducah; five grandchildren, Sarah Homer (Steven), Victor Adam Resnick (Courtney), David Yaffe, Eva Yaffe, and Abigail Yaffe; three great-grandchildren, Amelia Jane Resnick, Adeline Rose Resnick, and Annalise Mae Resnick; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Victor Yaffe and her parents.
Graveside services will be held at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at Temple Israel cemetery with Rabbi Caroline Sim officiating.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donation to: Temple Israel, PO Box 1141, Paducah, KY 42002-1141, or Paducah Cooperative Ministries Fresh Start Village, 402 Legion Drive, Paducah, KY 42003, or the Market House Museum, 121 Market House Square, Paducah, KY 42001.