Bretta Karp, 60

PITTSFIELD, Mass. —  Bretta Marsie Schiff Karp, 60, of Shrewsbury Massachusetts passed away on September 2, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Bretta was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on October 30, 1963, daughter of Philmore and Gertrude Schiff. A graduate of Miss Hall’s School, Bretta received her Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Cortland and her MBA from Western New England College. Bretta had a long and successful career as an Executive in Managed Care Contracting, most recently with Berkshire Health Systems. She was known as a consummate professional and exceptional talent.

A lifelong athlete, Bretta had a love of field hockey, skiing, racquetball, and lacrosse and she shared her passion as a girl’s lacrosse coach at Oak Middle School in Shrewsbury. Bretta was also involved in local politics serving as a Shrewsbury Town Meeting Member, an elected position, and a Finance Committee Member. Additionally, she was actively involved in the PTO of the Spring Street School.

Most of all, Bretta enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, and truly being present with those she loved. Family vacations to Cape Cod and Disney World were treasured by Brette. She had a remarkable ability to gather people together to celebrate life- whether  it was the Kentucky Derby, the Super Bowl, the last day of school, or the perfect day for a cruise in her Mustang convertible, Bretta delighted in sharing happy moments and good food with her family and friends. With her enthusiasm for life, her welcoming nature, and her love for her people, Bretta made an ordinary day extraordinary.

Bretta is survived by her beloved and devoted children, Lena Karp (Christopher Redard) and Preston Karp of Shrewsbury, MA, and her two brothers, Dr. Matheau D. Schiff and his wife Karen of Great Barrington, MA and Scott E. Schiff and his wife Laurie of Dalton, MA and their two children, Peyton and Ayva Schiff, who affectionately called her "Bobby". Bretta was so proud of her children, Lena and Preston; they were the world to her. Bretta was beyond a loving, strong, kind, resilient mother who always taught her children to believe in themselves and advocate for what is right. A loving mother, friend, sister, sister-in-law, and aunt, Bretta always put her family and friends first. She was a master at fostering an incredibly strong circle of friends and family and these connections will live on as her legacy.

Special thanks go to Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, especially Dr. Suzanne George, Nurse Practitioner Kathy Polson, Dr. Jiping Wang and their entire staff for their unwavering care. In addition, a big thank you to the several amazing people who provided such positive and loving care at home.

Funeral services and burial will be held on Thursday, September 5 at 9:00 am at the Knesset Israel Cemetery located at 484 Pecks Road in Pittsfield MA. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to The National Organization for Women in the name of Bretta Schiff Karp at https://secure.now.org/a/support-now. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com