Yvette Bolaffi z'l

Yvette Bolaffi z’l (nee Grunberg) was born in Cairo, Egypt, almost 91 years ago. Her love of languages stemmed from a young age when she was educated at both French and English schools in Cairo, and later in life she enjoyed studying Italian and Spanish.

Her husband Joe Bolaffi was her next door neighbour in Cairo. They courted from the age of 15 and married in 1949 when she was 19 years old. In their early years of marriage in Egypt, Yvette worked as a personal assistant to an Egyptian prince, and an editorial assistant for an Egyptian newspaper.

When life became untenable in Egypt for the Jewish population, they emigrated to Adelaide with their parents and Yvette’s sister Jacqui. On the journey to Australia she was expecting their first child, and this in fact embellished their documentation to board the ship. Allen was born just under 1 month after they arrived. In 1960, twins Richard and Monique were born which completed their family. She adored her children and was always so proud of their many achievements. Yvette and Joe loved their lives in Adelaide and truly believed that they were now living in the lucky country. They rapidly involved themselves in the Adelaide Jewish community and volunteered for many charitable organisations. They shared a love of philanthropy, Jewish culture and heritage. Throughout her life, Yvette was a well-known and active member of WIZO, JNF and State Zionist Council.

Yvette was President of WIZO Aviva, whose members were predominantly from Egypt for 11 years, membership chairperson on State Council and then President of WIZO State Council of South Australia for six years. When she retired as President, she received the Rebecca Sieff award from WIZO Australia.

When her beloved husband passed away in 1999, she stayed in Adelaide and continued her community work and was supported by her family and friends. After the untimely passing of her son Allen – an event which caused her much grief and heartache, she left Adelaide to be closer to her family, daughter, son, and their partners and her daughter in law Viv, her 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

She was an accomplished bridge player and bridge was a huge part of her life.

A true matriarch in every sense of the word, she loved having a Jewish home, entertaining, and was loved and respected by not only her family but by so many that knew her.