Yvette Naomi Michel

Yvette Naomi Michel joined the spirit world on January 31, 2026 in Victoria B.C. at the very young age of 60. Yvette spent her last 2 weeks being cared for at Victoria Hospice. She was at peace and was surrounded by the people she loved the most. Her son Mark, sister Pam, niece Denise, Jane, Dave, Sue and Sue and many of her dedicated support team.

Yvette is from the Sts’ailes Nation near Agassiz B.C. She was born on August 26, 1965 to father, Stanley (Moody) Michell and mother, Patricia Michell (Pettis). Yvette had 10 siblings, David, Jerry, Phillip, Jimmy, Gary, Linda, Debra, Gloria and Pam. Yvette also had many nieces, nephews, aunties, uncles and cousins.

Yvette had a difficult and complex childhood, She was born with a genetic cancer (retinoblastoma) and it was diagnosed when her eyesight started failing as a very young toddler. Yvette needed specialized care and was hospitalized in Vancouver, far from her family. Her eyes had to be removed to save her life. At the age of 3 she was placed with a foster family who had a blind daughter and she lived with them for many years.

Yvette excelled at reading braille and her love for reading was a constant source of pleasure throughout her life. Yvette achieved independent mobility and freedom when she learned how to use a white cane. Many years later her son Mark would tell stories about how his mom was so gutsy and resourceful that she easily substituted her cane for a broom and managed well to get her wherever she needed to go. She was always on the move.

Yvette also took up competitive swimming and attended 4 Paralympics starting at the age of 14. (1980-1992) Yvette won 8 gold, 4 silver and 6 bronze medals and broke world records during her swimming career. Yvette’s birth family reconnected with her during her teens when they saw newspaper articles honouring her swimming accomplishments.

Yvette had a passion for horses and learned how to ride as a child. That love remained and she was able to go on three horse and carriage rides with her son Mark and sister Pam in her last few months which absolutely thrilled her, even in the rain.

At the age of 18 Yvette went to live at another foster home with Jane Welton and Ian Reid, (deceased). Jane remained in Yvette’s life to the end with her current partner Dave Connell. Both were delighted to be grandparents to Yvette’s sons Mark and Derek.

The biggest accomplishment and greatest loves of her life were Mark (Allen Angus) Weicker born in 1988 and Derek Michael Michel born in 1993 (deceased in 2020). Both Mark and Derek loved their mother fiercely and unconditionally and learned so much from her about never giving up and always being kind and non-judgemental to others. Yvette took great pride in Mark and Derek’s accomplishments and always encouraged them to be their best selves. Yvette’s ability to maintain her unique and hilarious sense of humour and to keep on getting up after each hard knock, is testimony to her amazing strength of character and beautiful spirit. Yvette passed on that wicked sense of humour to both of her boys. Dry, quick, sharp and unmistakable. What a gift.

Sue Coyle and Sue Simard fostered Derek from the age of 8 and continued to provide support to him until his death at the age of 27.

Everyone involved had a very close bond with Yvette and her boys and because of this huge circle , Yvette, Mark and Derek inherited the Welton, Reid, Connell, Coyle and Simard families to share in the fun, games and adventures over the years. And there were many.

Yvette lived at Cool-Aid housing on Pandora St. for several years and she will be remembered and missed by many friends that she impacted and helped and who helped her over the years, especially Joey.

Yvette received great support and love in the final months of her life. Her son Mark and sister Pam came from the mainland to be her 24/7 caregivers for months until she moved into hospice for the last two weeks where they were able to be there to love her along with her niece Denise. Professional support was abundant and the family would like to express their gratitude to the many dedicated staff within the Cool-Aid Society, The Intensive Case Management Team (ICMT), The Palliative Outreach Support Team (PORT) and Island Health Home Support team as well as Hospice volunteers and staff. A special mention to Doug, Char, Dr. Black, Katie, Akira and Roberta. And many more. You know who you are. And a sincere acknowledgement to elder Susan Johnson for the brushing ceremony done in Yvette’s room to prepare her to journey home to her ancestors. It was an honour for those of us present to witness. Hands up to everyone who loved Yvette. She taught us all so much about life and how to keep on laughing through the hardest of times.

Please share your memories, pictures and stories on the obituary page of Dignity Memorial. It would mean a lot to her family and friends. If you wish to donate in her memory please consider the agencies mentioned above or BC Blind Sports and Recreation Association and Surrounded by Cedar Child and Family Services.