It was a surprise to hear of Yvonne's passing.  

She cared deeply for seniors living in and around her community.  Yvonne refurbished clothing and many items. If items could be refreshened. Yvonne did so. Yvonne didn't like waste but understood need.

Yvonne gave walkers for seniors living in my community as well.  Yvonne was very considerate and respectful of people with limited income. 

Yvonne it was a pleasure to meet you.

Vichnya Pamyhat

Yvonne was my mother-in-law for over 25 years, but I had met her 15 years prior to that. I had never encountered anyone quite like her. She was always very nice to me, and to Louis and Julian. They called her "Grandma Yvonne". Ken and Yvonne took them to their hockey games when their schedules overlapped. Through the years, we shared many Christmas dinners and birthdays. She even showed up with a gift for my 70th birthday a couple of years ago. Shortly after that, her driver's licence was revoked - Yvonne did not take that well. That was when her decline began. No more trips to Little Mountain Park, or impromptu drop-ins. She steadfastly stayed in her house until Ted passed away last March. Then she moved to Beacon Hill Lodge. It was there she slipped away.

Safe journey, Yvonne. You worked hard all your life, time for a rest.

Yvonne was not only my Selkirk Avenue neighbour, she was my Godmother, and mother to my beloved childhood friend Jeff. She was always very kind and loving to me, and underneath her coat of armour she possessed a heart of gold. I recall her as a feminist before her time, renovating her house, raising her three beautiful sons, sewing, gardening, going on driving trips, telling it like it is, looking gorgeous, loving her dogs and living her life on her terms with passion and purpose. I loved her deep timbered laugh and her commitment to keep on smoking. Mrs. DuRussell, you will be missed and remembered. Much love to Gary and Jeff and families.

Yvonne was a passionate and head-strong woman, a force to be reckoned with, a super Mom

who single-handedly raised her boys Ted, Gary and Jeffrey to be men. She fiercely loved all of you. It seems there was never a dull moment growing  up in the Durussel home on Selkirk Avenue. Oh the stories...

My sincere condolences to Ted's family, to Gary and Marie, Jeffrey and Barb and their families. And to Yvonne's many friends and neighbours.

Yvonne will always  be remembered through our stories, with a smile; a woman of substance and a generous heart.

"She had a good run."