Beatrice Ratko

Beatrice Ratko, known affectionately as "Bea," passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025, at the age of 99. She was born on February 17, 1926 to Bessie & Jacob Soffer in the Bronx, NY. A child of the depression, Bea grew up alongside her older brother Leon and younger sister, Lorraine.

Bea's enduring love began unexpectedly at a New Year's Eve party. Though she and Bill were each there with separate dates, by the time the New Year started, Bea and Bill were together. When they married, she was welcomed into the Braverman family by inlaws Rose and Isadore. Bea met Bill’s sister Lil and husband Ben and Bill’s brother Gil and wife Etta. They moved to California while Bill was serving in the army. They eventually settled in Philadelphia, where they raised their three beloved sons: Marty, Stan, and Brian.

Bea worked for the IRS. Sadly, Bill passed away at a young age. The three boys married—Marty to Lorraine, Stan to Marsha, and Brian to Ann. Bea later found a loving second marriage with Marty Ratko.

One of Bea’s great joys was her family, which grew to include 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren: Brad, Meredith, Ryan and Shayna, Staci, Beth, Mike, Solomon and Liat, Jen, Liz, Vinnie, Vera, Ursula & Scarlet, Brooke, Dave & Bella, Julie, James, Jake and Jordan. She loved her family fiercely and was always happy to spend time with her grandkids and great-grandkids, as well as her loving nieces and nephews, Harry, Sandy, Joanne, Diane, Linda and Mark, Bob, Eddie and Chris and Ben.

A true free spirit, Bea lived life on her own terms. She was outspoken and a loyal Zionist. Her sons, Marty, Stan, and Brian, would often hear the distinct sound of “2 crack, 3 bam” followed by Bea’s infectious laugh, which everyone knew, as well as her vice-like hugs.

Bea was always dressed to the nines, with her hair and nails always done. She was an avid reader, always learning, and collecting assorted and various objects from her travels across the world, including multiple trips to Israel. She dedicated her time to many pursuits:

Serving as an assistant in a kindergarten class, volunteering for the Take Art to School Program, and holding leadership roles as President of Women's B'nai Brith & the Traveler’s Club at the Y.

She also cherished her frequent trips to Atlantic City with her sister Lorraine. As the love of her life called her, she was, and will always be remembered as "The Queen Bea"

Relatives and friends are invited to Graveside Services on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 12:00 PM at Mt. Sharon Cemetery, 502 E. Springfield Road, Springfield, PA 19064.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Fox Chase Cancer Center at marlynfeinchapter.org