Mary Ratz Kaufman

Mary Eidt Ratz was born in 1856, the eldest of thirteen children, at the family’s sawmill in Gad’s Hill, Ontario. In 1877, she married Jacob Kaufman who eventually became a very successful local business entrepreneur. The couple moved to Berlin (Kitchener) where they raised four children.

Kaufman’s life demonstrated her dedication to improving the lives of women and children. She began her community service by joining the women’s organization of Zion Evangelical Church where she served three terms as President. She also participated in the young women’s missionary society by opening her home to visiting missionaries and offering generous financial support. Committed to the concepts of social justice and social reform, she helped to found (1894) and was a life member of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, a member of the founding board of the Berlin Orphanage (1896), a board member of the Children’s Aid Society (1909-1938), and Honourary President of the Organized Social Workers. She was actively involved in the building campaign of the Berlin-Waterloo Hospital (1895), and was head of the women’s auxiliary which raised substantial funds for both the hospital and the nurse’s residence.

The organization that benefited most from Kaufman’s energy and generosity was the YWCA. She helped to organize and was the first president of the Berlin YWCA in 1905. Initially, the YWCA operated out of a church owned by Jacob Kaufman. Room and board for up to 18 young women, who were moving into the city from their rural homes to work in the factories, was available along with sewing, cooking, conversational German and Bible Study. Kaufman continued as president of the board until 1914 and worked tirelessly for many years to raise funds so that the YWCA could purchase its own building.

In May of 1915, the YWCA opened the doors of a new building with accommodation for fifty women, meeting rooms, offices and a large dining room. Another wing was added in 1937, with funds donated by Kaufman and her son Alvin. She remained active with the YWCA throughout her life, as a generous donor, serving on committees and on the board. Eventually, she was named Honourary President. In 1990, the YWCA renamed their shelter Mary’s Place in recognition of Kaufman’s extraordinary contribution.