Beatrice Esther Pilafian's Obituary
Beatrice Esther Pilafian passed away on June 2, 2025. Born in Miami, Florida on September 22, 1967, to Frank and Marjorie Stoerkel, she was the youngest of four siblings: Carol Cote, David Stoerkel, and Joan Astacio.
In 1986, on a blind double date at Cuco’s Mexican Restaurant, Beatrice met the love of her life, Marty Pilafian. They married just months later on September 20, exchanging vows aboard a boat in beautiful Biscayne Bay. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family.
Beatrice was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She loved spending time with her family and bringing joy to her children and grandchildren through her spot-on impersonations. She had a soft heart for animals—elephants especially—and a passion for movies, books, and line dancing.
She is survived by her beloved husband Marty Pilafian, her children Ben Pilafian and Wendy (Brian) Coffey, and her cherished grandchildren: Kylie (Calvin), Ashleigh (Eddie), Jared, Tyler, Lilyana, and Zakary. Her warmth, humor, and deep love will be missed beyond words.
A celebration of Beatrice’s life will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Van Orsdel Kendall Chapel, 11220 N Kendall Drive, Miami, FL. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed.
She was loved deeply, and she leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories.
In loving memory of Beatrice and her deep love for elephants, the family kindly invites you to consider a donation to Myakka Elephant Ranch in lieu of flowers:
https://myakkaelephantranch.betterworld.org/donate
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