Samuel Mark Yaffe died on November 1, 2024. He was born September 6, 1944, in Washington, DC, to Morris and Edna Yaffe, who predeceased him. He made his home in Monkton, with Michaeline (Mickie), his beloved wife of 50 years, who mourns him. He was 80.

Sam is mourned by his sister, Leslie Yaffe Marks, his brother, Bruce (Debbi) Yaffe, nephews Roger and Stephen (Janna) Marks and niece Nikki Marks, and two great-nephews and two great-nieces. He will be missed by Michaeline's family, Mollie Williams, Meggan and Herb Klippen (and children Patrick and Christine), Colleen Terry, Brian Terry and Hyekyung Yang, Tim and Dawn Terry (and children Tara, Tim, and Troy), and Greg and Nancy Terry (and children Kelly and Bonnie), and five great-nephews and seven great-nieces. No less will he be missed by his dog, Riley, his beloved companion.

Sam studied philosophy at the University of Maryland College Park before settling on a career as a psychotherapist. He received a PhD in social work from the University of Maryland Baltimore and treated clients for more than thirty years. He took satisfaction from being able to help people solve problems.

Sam loved art and was always interested in exhibitions of new work. He had a passion for photography, starting with a Brownie Hawkeye at eight and moving up to increasingly sophisticated cameras as an adult. He had a particular interest in abstract subjects. In recent years he took numerous pictures of plants and flowers, which he posted on flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/samyaffespix/), to good response. He was an active member of the Baltimore Camera Club.

Sam valued both physical and mental fitness. He hiked many national parks, recording their beauty in countless photographs. He took pride in following a rigorous exercise regimen at home and at the gym. Each day he religiously took on the New York Times Spelling Bee, staying with it until he succeeded in finding every word and becoming Queen Bee.

Sam shared with Mickie the pleasures of visiting museums, traveling to New York, viewing fall foliage, planting, walking, and sitting by the pond on their magnificently landscaped grounds, playing with Riley, strolling on North Carolina beaches, figuring out tasty vegetarian meals (there was always a place for eclairs), taking care of one another in big and small ways, and all the everyday activities that created an exceptional closeness.

Sam lived with a big heart and an irreverent sense of humor. He gave generously of himself. He cared deeply about the world but found much in it to laugh about. His comments produced a lifetime of smiles.

Donations can be made in Sam's memory to Animal Rescue, Inc. (https://animalrescueinc.networkforgood.com/) or The Manor Conservancy (https://www.themanorconservancy.org/).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Baltimore Banner on Nov. 5, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Samuel Yaffe

3 Entries

Bill Petok

November 10, 2024

I met Sam Yaffe twice. Once as a graduate student when we shared many potluck dinners with friends and then 40 years later when we discovered our shared interest in photography. I enjoyed his company as a student and learned a great deal from his photography. I consider myself fortunate to have had both experiences with him. He will be missed.

Ola Horn

November 10, 2024

Sam was fun to talk with. He had a self-deprecating sense of humor and always made you feel good. I had a great conversation with him at one of the recent BCC club meetings and was shocked to find out he lost his life in an accident a few days later. He will be missed.
My deepest condolences to his Family!

phyllis berger

November 7, 2024

This is such awful news. Sam was my student and my friend. He was a wonderful artist and so inspiring to my other students. He kept us together with lovely afternoons in Mickie's gardens. May his memory be a blessing.

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