Irma Ruth Bass

Irma Bass, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, died peacefully at her home in Coral Gables, Florida, on June 9, 2026, at the age of 98, surrounded by her loving family who meant everything to her.

Irma and her late husband Kal were longtime Florida residents, having moved from New York after honeymooning in Miami in 1947. Together, she and Kal built a successful elevator manufacturing company, where she headed the Accounts Receivable Department until retiring at the age of 80. A woman of remarkable strength, humility, and determination, Irma approached every stage of life with grace, optimism, and confidence.

Known for her warmth, kindness, radiant smile, and deep devotion to family and friends, Irma touched countless lives with her generosity, compassion, and unwavering love. She took immense pride in her family, finding her greatest joy in sharing the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who regularly gathered for family occasions. She especially cherished the remarkable life she shared with her husband of nearly 80 years, the love of her life.

Irma is survived by her four children: Lynn Kislak (Ben Kuehne), Barbara Bass Bakar (Gerson Bakar z”l), Susan Hunter, and Jay Bass (Kathy); her grandchildren, Rebecca Kislak (Joanna Brown), Jason Kislak (Kathryn), Janine Hunter Dillman (Neal), Jeffrey Bass (Rina), Kathryn Bass O’Brien (Doug), David Bass, and Andrew Bass (Sinead Morris); and her thirteen great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Kal (z”l), and grandson, Eric Hunter (z”l).

Irma leaves behind a legacy, not only in the company she and her husband built together, but also in the many ways she demonstrated her commitment to helping others. She and Kal were philanthropic supporters of Baptist Health Foundation, with their shared vision of providing hope and healing to as many people as possible in their community and beyond. Together, they established four endowed chairs supporting the clinical research work of Baptist Health System physicians in cancer and neurological care.

Irma will best be remembered for her devotion to her family, her generosity of spirit, her resilience, and her ability to make those around her feel loved and valued. Her legacy lives on through the family she cherished and the lives she touched.

A memorial service and shiva will take place Sunday, June 14, 2026 at the Gables Club Condominium from 1-4 p.m.

If you would like to honor her memory, donations may be made in support of the Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida Foundation, In Memory of Irma Bass/Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute, 6855 Red Road, Coral Gables, FL 33143, https://baptisthealthgiving.net