Marie Yvonne Cecile Kjos

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend on the evening of August 21, 2020. Born September 28, 1941 in Ballater, AB to Joseph & Josephine Vincelette. Yvonne, as she preferred to be known, was the third of four children: Roy the oldest, Vivian second, and Linda the youngest.

Yvonne is survived by her children; Cindy (a.k.a. Sheemah), Jessica, Trent (Lori), Shelley and Tracy (Craig); 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; siblings; Vivian and Linda; and her many nieces and nephews. Yvonne was preceded in death by both her parents and her brother Roy.

Yvonne was proud to be the matriarch, mother, grandmother and grandmamma of our large family and it gave her great joy to watch the family grow. This strongly independent woman has lifted her footprint and presence from this world, but her spirit lives on forever in our hearts and souls. Her legacy lives on in the strong, vibrant, and free spirits of her son and daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who grow more beautifully surefooted which each new generation.

Affectionately known as “Gramsbear” to many of her grandchildren because of her gruff, matter of fact disposition with the love and protection of a mama bear. A proud grandmother to Michael (Mandy), Travis, Hedaya (Phil), Adam (Abigail), Matthew (Nina), Cody (Mercedes), Mariah, Taija, Bayley (Dustin), Josephine, Omar, Mandi, Mitchell (Katie), Spencer (Mackenzie), Jorja and Sadie.

Mom loved babies and took great pride in listing her prized great-grandchildren to anyone; (Sheemah) Alyssa, Quinn, Ameerah, Aveah, Nyovi, Ollita, Boaz, (Trent) Benson, Sonya, Isaac, Chanel (Shelley) Finn, (Tracy) Delylah, Scarlett, Archer, Gabriella, Arkel and Brooks.

She touched many lives because of her friendly, open nature and curiosity about people. You might remember her as the casino blackjack dealer, the cosmetics lady who sold Nutri-Medics, the respite caregiver with NONA, or a patron at the local bingo hall.

Mom liked spectator sports, was an avid reader, a great historian, a champion bowler, and she loved to play cards. She lived a very full life and had many tributes to her name, but shy or quiet were not one of them. She was never afraid to speak up, even if they only one in the room. She taught us well.

I would like to invite everyone to add their own personal story, memory, or attribute to a lady who’s legacy and strength will live on in all of us.

May she rest in eternal peace, Amen.