Yvonne Diane Jackson

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Yvonne Diane Jackson. She had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought her help. Yvonne was a forward-looking woman whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone she met. She could be quiet and reserved, but her style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Yvonne was a master at using imagery when she explained her ideas and concepts. She seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around her. Her sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made her a wonderful friend for all who knew her.

      From the time she was born on February 27, 1921, Yvonne showed a deep concern for others. She was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Yvonne came into this world at Tarentorus in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Her parents were Regina and Alfred St. Jules. Yvonne was raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

      Because fellowship was so important to her, Yvonne promoted harmony with her siblings. She was raised with ten. They were Ray, Leona, Ida, Rita, Jennette, Art, Emile, Rolie, Ronald and Rudy. Yvonne was something of the family diplomat. She helped to settle problems and conflicts and kept the family running smoothly.

      As a young girl, Yvonne interacted well with other children. She was helpful. She was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Yvonne had a number of interests in her youth. She was an active child. Yvonne took part in skating. In her spare time she liked ice skating.

      Able to maintain a positive focus on the potential good to be found in others, Yvonne was always ready with solid advice and guidance to offer her group of friends. She was generally friendly to all who knew her, yet to some she seemed quite independent. For those who really knew Yvonne, they recognized that she could be full of surprises. Yvonne enjoyed a small but solid group of true friends. She would willingly support those friends when they needed it. Because of her ability to read people, she had an uncanny knack for knowing when a friend needed help. While growing up, some of her best friends were her sisters and brothers. Later in life, she had many friends. Her family was very important to her. She enjoyed company at anytime. Her favourite sayings were; You can do anything you set your mind to; You're stronger then you think you are; Take me as I am or Let Me Go and Lots of time in Canada.

      Yvonne was romantic, even poetic at times. She was completely devoted to family and friends, able to show her emotions without going overboard about it. On June 28, 1941 Yvonne exchanged wedding vows with Gordon Allen Jackson at Tarantorus in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

      All who knew her would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Yvonne was able to bond with her children. While she could be a firm disciplinarian, she could also fill the role of being a collaborator with her kids. Yvonne was always a mentor who helped her family reach its full potential. Yvonne was blessed with four children, three son's Keith, Terry, Danny and one daughter Sharon. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Cindy, Allison, Trevor, Gordy and Stacey.

      Yvonne projected a subtle but positive influence in her workplace. She was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and she worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. While her colleagues did not view her as a high-spirited type, Yvonne was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for her ideas. Yvonne could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. She possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. She was an innovator who worked well independently, and she enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. Her primary occupation was custodian and caregiver. She was employed for 14 years at Algoma Steel, 3 years caregiver at the Davey Home and Union Representative for Algoma Steel.

      As an imaginative and inventive person, Yvonne was comfortable showing her creative spirit. She enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Yvonne took on a new project, she saw it through to its completion. Her favorite pursuits were reading, playing cards and crossword puzzles. She was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

      Because Yvonne was a person who enjoyed helping, teaching and working with others, she was a perfect fit for many types of organizations. Her ability to encourage others, energize the group and her ability to solve all sorts of problems made her a desirable member of a wide variety of organizations. Throughout her later years, Yvonne was an active member of the Young At Hearts Club and the Senior's Centre.

      Yvonne was a woman with clear convictions and high principles, and her faith was important to her. She was an inspiration to many people who recognized her sense of commitment and esteem for others. She was a member St. Paul's Presbyterian Church.

      Yvonne possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced her travel and vacation planning. Favorite vacations included Oshawa and Espanola.

      Yvonne was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Yvonne's favorites was Bandit a Siberian Huskey and Chase a German Shepard. They were best friends for 14 years. Her family was rounded out by her parrots and tropical fish.

      As someone who treasured harmony and quiet, Yvonne accepted retirement and made the most of it. That day finally came in 1985, and Yvonne was well prepared. Her new life involved staying in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. In retirement, she found new pleasure in reading, doing crosswords and enjoying company and time with her family.

      Yvonne passed away on April 9, 2012 at Sault Area Hospital from Congestive Heart Failure. She is survived by her children, Sharon, Danny, Kieth and Terry and her grandchildren Cindy, Gordy, Allison, Trevor, Stacey Tanner, Jack, Ryan, Ben, Emily Chelsey, Brandon, Rose and her two sisters Rita and Jennette. Services were held at Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre. Yvonne was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

      Though she could be a private person at times, Yvonne was always able and willing to give of herself. She was so in tune with others that she often seemed able to read their minds. Yvonne carried with her an almost mystical sense of life. She was a person who was highly original in her thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of her life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Yvonne Diane Jackson shared herself freely and family and friends will remember Yvonne Diane for the strength of her convictions.

"Gone But Never Forgotten"

"Thank You For Being My Guardian Angel"

"My Dad Must Be So Proud of You"

That's the story I like to Tell

Because that's how you raised Me

It's hard to make them Understand

Just how bad this Feels

"I wish I could have known my Father"

I've already managed to out live Him

Still haven't a chance of filling his Shoe's

BUT MOTHER YOU SURE DID

" In Spite of it All, It's Our Story"

I made it this far because of You

But Mama The Pain I Have to Live With

Did More Harm Than Good

I wish you could change it

And come back to be with Me

"I Still Love You More Each Day"

Even though you are not by my Side

We are never far Apart

Can not see you with my Eyes

But I fell you with my Heart

"As Hard As I Try I Can't Help But Cry"

Why can't it be that your here with Me

I love and MIss you more than Anything

I love you Mom I think of you Everyday

"Love Always......Your Loving Son"

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JACKSON, Yvonne Diane – Peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, April 9, 2012 at the age of 91 years. Beloved wife of the late Gordon. Daughter of the late Alfred and Regina St. Jules. Loving mother of Sharon Fleming (Dennis), Danny Jackson (Wendy Michaud), Keith Jackson and Terry Jackson (Margairette). Cherished grandma of Allison Fleming, Trevor Fleming (Maria), Stacey Matier (Mark), Cindy Avery (Brian) and Gordy Jackson (Becky). Great grandmother of Ryan, Ben, Emily, Tanner, Jack, Chelsey, Brandon and Rose. Dear sister of Jeanette Tytor (late Lionel), Rita Cyr (late Roland) and the late Rudy St. Jules (Yvonne), Raymonde Nadon (Paddy), Ida LeClair (Larry), Leona Doucette (Dusty), Roland St. Jules (Laura), Emile St Jules (Joan) and Arthur St. Jules (Helen and the late Eleanor). Mother-in-law of Kathy Jackson. Sister-in-law of Lucy Jackson (late Tom) and the late Jack Jackson (Martha), Kay Goegan (Gerry) and Betty Ryan (Bob). Also survived by her many nieces and nephews. Yvonne always had a smile on her face and her door was always open to everyone “Take Me as I am or Let me go.” The family of Yvonne would like to send a special Thank You to all the nurses on the third floor C-wing at the Sault Area Hospital for the care they provided. A special Thank You also to Dr. Fera, Dr. Gupta, and Dr. Berg for all they did to make her comfortable. The family will gather at the Arthur Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Friday, April 13, from 1 to 3 pm. Service to follow. Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.