Yvonne Marie Wethern

Yvonne was born on May 12, 1925 to Irving and Lana Zuelke in Appleton, WI. She grew up there with her sisters Lola Mae, Florette and Cordell and attended local schools. Because of the war, she spent one year at Lawrence University, Appleton, and then proceeded to get her B.A. at Carleton College, Northfield, MN. In 1947, on a blind date, she met Jim Wethern, then a graduate student in Appleton, and just over a year later they were married—a marriage that would last more than 65 years. After Jim received his Ph.D., the couple explored the country by moving to Camas, WA, Wilmington, NC, Baton Rouge, LA and Princeton, NJ, finally landing on St. Simons Island, GA where they made their permanent residence. At various stops along the way, she gave birth to four children: Mary, Mike, Jeff and Tom. Much loved are they, as are her three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Yvonne gave her all to whatever she was involved in, giving her prime focus to her children and husband, and she offered them guidance and support no matter the endeavor. If there were a choice to be made between social activities or family, the family always won. Always a positive and supportive presence, Yvonne ensured that everyone got a present at birthday parties, and that, on family outings, a picnic basket was made or that enjoyable activities were always available. Her goal was to help her children and husband succeed, and Yvonne lived to see the fulfillment of that goal.

Equal to family in importance was her church, where Yvonne attended regularly. A member of the Altar Guild, church choir and various guilds, she also taught Sunday School, participated in Cursillo and was a Daughter of the King. She was particularly pleased with helping Jim become an ordained Deacon of the Episcopal Church. She carried her spirituality over into the Cassina Garden Club where, for several years, she was a spiritual leader and poet.

As the nest emptied, Yvonne became a super-volunteer and, in this role, worked for years in the family planning unit of the Glynn County Health Department. One of her proudest accomplishments was assisting Bob and Susan Hamer in the establishment of Safe Harbor, a children's haven in Brunswick. Other local efforts were: assisting Peg Jones in the formation of Amity House; working at the local hospital on First Steps and Healthy Families to help newborns/very young children and their mothers; serving at Manna House soup kitchen; and working with local mental health organizations, along with other organizations where she played a lesser role. In 1990, the Mental Health Association of Georgia honored her as Volunteer of the Year.

The family gives thanks to Drs. Skelton, Levy, Limburg, Grubb and their staffs who, over the years, did so much to maintain Yvonne's health and who were so caring in doing all they could to make her comfortable during her recent illness.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Church, Frederica at 11 A.M. on Saturday, June 21, with the Rev. Tom Purdy as presider and the Reverends Leigh Hall, Douglas Renegar and Becky Rowell as assisting clergy. Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Church, Frederica or to any of the organizations with which Yvonne worked.