With heavy hearts, we announce that Yvonne peacefully transitioned from this life on May 16, 2019 in Seven Oaks Hospital at the age of 89 years.

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She is predeceased by her parents Aristide and Anna; brothers Edmond (Edmo), Roland (Rollie), Jean (Johnny), Achilles (Archie); sister Maryann and son-in-law Gary.

 

Yvonne grew up on Prosper Street in St. Boniface. She left school at an early age to work at Rice Sportswear. She became a forelady in the cutting department. It was there that she met her husband Stan. They were married on July 26, 1947. Together they had three daughters; Adele, Teresa, and Madeleine. Yvonne left her position at Rice Sportswear to stay home and raise her children. She excelled at sewing and created beautiful clothes for the family. Her culinary skills were demonstrated on a daily basis with a delectable array of suppers and desserts.

 

Yvonne cherished her years at the cottage in Lakeshore Heights. She enjoyed sitting on the deck looking at the lake sparkling in the sunlight. At night she’d play games of Scrabble and cards with the family while watching the sun set on the horizon. Her love of beauty and colour was reflected in her garden consisting of many varieties of lilies and other perennial flowers that she grew herself. Love of music played a role in her life as she hosted many parties for friends and relatives in both her home and cottage.  Everyone in the family grew up listening to and appreciating all kinds of music.

 

After her children moved out of the home, Yvonne went back to work as a Teaching Homemaker for Family Services. Her intuitive nature and compassion for people in need assured her success in this position. Helping young women to care for their children was a most rewarding career. Both adults and children trusted her readily. She loved her grandchildren and took great pleasure babysitting them and later having visits from Desta, Joel, James, Kevin, Kelly, and Sean.

 

Above all, Yvonne took care of her husband and children. She was always there for them. Through every joy and sorrow she was the one person all could depend on. To listen, to counsel, to advise, to love.

 

Though the last years of her life were marred with illness, Stan and their daughters were with her; each in their own way, to help ease her pain. Just as she had done for them.

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In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and no formal service will be held.

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No matter what you've done for yourself or for humanity, if you can't look back on having given love and attention to your own family, what have you really accomplished?

- Elbert Hubbard

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DRIFTING

 

It was getting harder to recall

Those little things that just occurred

Her mind seemed to have put up a wall

And her thoughts were becoming blurred

 

It was a challenge to understand

The simplest of directions now

Her dear husband gave a helping hand

His love for her he did avow

 

Paranoia had soon settled in

She no longer wanted him ‘round

It was a battle she could not win

Memory was lost and not found

 

Her family felt her frustration

They were losing her fast they knew

Due to her lack of concentration

It left everyone feeling blue

 

Alzheimer’s became a dirty word

Shaking everyone to the core

God seemed to leave their prayers unheard

Wife, mom, grandma was here no more

 

Her very essence had been drifting

But her body sat there staring

They felt as though they should be grieving

Their confusion seemed unyielding

 

They all vowed to help her, day and night

Their love for her would always stay

Through thick and thin, they’d make her life bright

To bring some happiness her way

 

Dear Mother, now you know all my fears

The extent of how I miss you

You’ve been my best friend through all my years

It’s been hard for you and me too

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-by Madeleine Riha