With broken hearts, we sadly announce that our gentle, fun, kind, devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and auntie, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Calgary South Health Campus after a battle with Alzheimer’s.
Yvonne was born in Weymouth, NS to parents Dr. Wilfred and Corrine (nee Gallant) Cormier, originally from Bathurst, NB and Magdalen Isle, Quebec. She grew up in Amherst, NS, graduating from St. Charles High School then Secretarial College, both run by the Sisters of Charity.
Yvonne had a very successful career starting as a secretary then growing into Senior Executive Assistant roles. As a young woman she sought out interesting roles in various industries and accepted a posting in remote Goose Bay Labrador. She then moved from her small town to the vibrant and exciting New York City where she worked in the Empire State Building. It was while on a visit home from New York that she met her future husband Lester. They married in 1960 and adored each other as is evidenced by their very happy 59 year marriage. They had two daughters, Michelle & Lisa, and Yvonne managed to continue her successful career until the 80’s while accommodating her husband's career moves across Canada and always putting their families’ needs first.
Yvonne’s radiant joie-de-vivre energy was contagious. She had a vibrant, warm and kind sense of humor and was always looking for a harmless giggle. Yvonne's strongest passion was for family, friends and especially children. Her generous nature resulted in smiles and warm words for everyone, and all were welcome at Yvonne's house where she would make it her mission to ensure that each person felt special. She was well known as the ultimate hostess for her frequent lively gatherings where she was typically the life of the party in the kindest and most gentle way.
Yvonne was a lifelong lover of music and was an accomplished pianist, singer and dancer, especially tap. She graced the stage in numerous local musical productions growing up. In later years, she loved to travel and explore new places. Some of her favorites included Hawaii, Mexico, Punta Cana, Florida, and Paris.
Her impeccable fashion sense, poise and grace were that of royalty, and her undying faith and purity of soul were that of an angel. Yvonne was a longtime member and supporter of the Catholic Women's League, and she served as a Hospitality Minister at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish and St. Benedict Parish for many years.
Yvonne was predeceased by her sister Estelle Blenkhorn, brothers Hector, Reginald, Arthur, Lionel, and Edwin, and so many close relatives and friends. There is certainly a fun reunion and celebration taking place in Heaven since her arrival!
Yvonne leaves behind a space in the world that can never be filled. But she also leaves behind love and light in each of us, and sparks of joy that live in our hearts and give strength to our souls. She will be missed more than words can say and more than hearts should have to feel.
She is survived by her loving husband Les; daughters Michelle Brown (Gary) and Lisa Stewart-Reschke (Dave); grandchildren Jason, Dave, Matthew, Alisha, Brycen and Renee; and great-granddaughter Lucie.
Memorial Services to celebrate her beautiful life will be held in Calgary and Halifax.
Visitation and Prayers will be held at SOUTH CALGARY FUNERAL CENTRE, 12700 Macleod Trail South (at Lake Fraser Gate), on Friday, June 21, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Visitation and Prayers will be held at J.A. SNOW FUNERAL HOME, (339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, NS), on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Funeral Mass and Celebration of Life Reception will be held at SAINT BENEDICT PARISH, (45 Radcliffe Drive, Halifax, NS), on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at 10:30 a.m.
Although Yvonne loved flowers, donations to honor Yvonne’s memory can be sent to The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, (https://alzheimer.ca/en/Home/Get-involved/Ways-to-donate) or to The Children’s Miracle Network, (https://childrensmiraclenetwork.ca/donate/).
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