Yvette Andre 'Dany' Girard

Dany, daughter of the late Louis and Mireille Despardels, was born May 30th, 1925 in Longroy, France but soon moved to Paris where she lived until her marriage to Armand E. “Mike” Girard. She came to Warrenton, VA an Army wife and later followed her husband to duty stations in Japan, Germany, and Pennsylvania, finally settling in Hampton for the last fifty years. It was here that she raised her family and cared for her parents for the last twenty-five years of their lives.

A gourmet cook, Dany loved nothing more than entertaining her family and her many friends in the French club with her culinary skills. Dany also enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, traveling, and most of all, time spent with her family and friends. Dany had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to share her stories of growing up in Paris and her many adventures from around the world with her family and friends. She was a marvelous story-teller and never failed to make us laugh, sometimes to the point of tears. Dany was the heart and soul of our family and we will forever miss and always love her.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of sixty-two years, “Mike”, and her beloved brother, Maurice “Uncle Momo” Despardels. She is survived by three sons, Terry “Patrick” Girard and his wife, Annie, of Newport News, Gregory Girard and his wife, Caren, of Richmond, Remy Girard of Hampton; grandsons, Marcus Girard and Jacob Girard of Richmond. In addition, she is survived by two nieces, Fabian Cazemiro and her husband, David, and their sons of Florida and Dr. Joelle Despardels of Paris, France.

The family would like to thank Dr. Majumder, Riverside Hospice, and her hospice nurses, Jamie Lynn and Jessica for their care and compassion during Dany’s final days. Dany and the family were blessed by a number of wonderful caregivers over the years and we will always be grateful for their care and support. In particular, two of these wonderful ladies, Patricia Davis and Sharon Zakowsky, became like members of the family and always went above and beyond the typical caregivers duties.

During the final days, Patricia was at Dany’s side around the clock, caring for her physical and spiritual needs. It was the love and support of these wonderful ladies that helped our family through this difficult time. “We love you both deeply and will remember and be grateful always for all you gave of yourselves in the care of our mother, Dany.”

The funeral service will be conducted 10:00 AM, Monday, October 15, 2012 at Immaculate Conception Church in Hampton with interment to follow in Parklawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church following the committal service.

Should friends desire, in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Alzheimer’s Association – South Eastern VA Chapter, 6350 Center Drive, Suite 102, Norfolk, VA 23502.

Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666.

Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.