Julia Yapell

Our beloved friend, daughter and mother, Julia Yapell, passed away at the age of 65 after a battle with cancer. Julia was the only child of Irma Yapell and Albert Yapell (deceased). She was born in Cuba and came to the United States with her parents as a child. She was fiercely proud of her Cuban and Jewish heritage.

Julia grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and attended Glen Oak High School, in Gates Mills, Ohio and went on to graduate from Manhatanville University in New York.

Julia moved to Miami, Florida where she taught language arts. She poured her energy into teaching and loving her students. She called them “her amazing, beautiful babies!” She taught the gifted and advanced, the traumatized, the silent observers, and the mischievous. One student said of her “She was a teacher that never gave up on me when I wanted to work alone and isolate myself. Ms. Yapell, an awesome person with a big heart, always included me in class conversation and I had many laughs with her.”

Her heart extended to animals. She was an advocate for horses, dogs, and cats and operated an animal rescue for several years. She left behind Prince, Momma Lady and Pieto.

Julia’s biggest accomplishment, and love of her life, was her son Benjamin Yapell, and three grandchildren, whom she adored.

Julia desired a better world for all people. She advocated for positive changes in society. With her bright, beautiful infectious smile and big personality, Julia cultivated many friends over the course of her life. The past year and a half she lived in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Ellijay, Georgia. There she found peace and solace in a small community that cared and looked out for her.

She was a beautiful and amazing soul. She will be deeply missed by friends and family.