Yvonne T. Fernandes

Yvonne Marie (Tobey) Fernandes of New Bedford, MA took her flight with the angels on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the age of 69. Born January 7, 1957, on the Otis Air National Guard Base in Bourne, to the late Elton J. Tobey Sr. of Bourne, MA and Valerie Jean (Perry) Tobey of Marshfield, MA.

Yvonne was raised on Cape Cod in the Town of Bourne in her beloved Village of Pocasset. She was a 1975 graduate of Bourne High School. Upon graduation Yvonne began her new journey of life in Boston, MA, where she worked various administrative jobs. In addition, Yvonne fostered several adolescent girls and boys in her home for several years before returning home to the Cape where she began working for her beloved Tribe as the director of the WIA (Workforce Investment Act) program. Yvonne was a strong advocate of bringing tribal members into high skill, high-paying, careers in the building trades through the South Coast Pathways program and the Greater Southeastern Massachusetts Labor Council.

She also was a proud elder of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, where she served as the secretary for one term.

Yvonne grew up with music, as both her parents enjoyed singing and dancing. She found her niche at a very early age and enrolled in both voice training and guitar lessons. One of her first gigs was on the tv show, "Community Auditions", a popular New England local talent show, airing on WBZ-TV which featured amateur performers, musicians, and dancers. A show known as a precursor to modern talent competitions. Yvonne’s music career included singing at many types of venues including church choirs, weddings and of course, singing karaoke. Yvonne also cherished Swift’s Memorial Church in Sagamore Beach, MA where she was a former parishioner and choir singer. One of her wishes was to “go back home to the Cape” to be with the Swiftie’s.

She was predeceased by her son Jerohme Chriclow and brothers, Kevin and Elton Tobey, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Brittany Tobey Arroyo and her husband David, her siblings, Robyn (Tobey) Sweeting, Jennifer Tobey, Carrie Tobey, Sheri Schaefer Yenser, and Joseph (Tobey) Schaefer. She also leaves many nieces and nephews, and her special Aunty Dolly. As for her precious grandchildren, Lilianna, Josie, and Jeremiah, Yvonne lived every waking moment for them and we will honor her wishes by watching over them. She will be deeply missed by her friends, family and all who knew her.

A celebration of life will be taking place on Thursday, April 9, 2026, 1:00PM - 4:00PM at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, 483 Great Neck Road South, Mashpee, MA.