Yvonne was the daughter of the late Hilda and Ari Klaassen. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jack (Kelly) Klaassen, her sisters Emmi (Terry) McCadden and Elsie (Jack) Baldwin and her brother-in-law George. Yvonne is survived by her sister Suzanne (Barry) Ross, and her brother Peter (Louise) Klaassen.
Yvonne was the devoted partner (45 years) of Alan Harris and loving mother to three daughters Leigh (Jeff) Hill, Alana Harris (Nick Burd), and Charlotte (Tyler) Dukelow and bonus mom to Lucy (Lenny) McIntyre. Yvonne’s most honoured title was that of Grammy/ Grand mama/ Canadian Grandma to her beautiful and self-professed, ‘extraordinary’ grandchildren: Carter, Quinn, William, Maverick, and Charli. Yvonne was a friend and sister in-law to Carol (Rum) and Lana (Harry) and aunt to many nieces and nephews.
She will be fondly remembered for her: infectious sense of humour, jovial nature, love of cooking and baking for her family, and her connection to her beloved pets.
Yvonne was a longtime employee of St Lawrence College, Brockville where she worked in several capacities but most favorably as an administrator in distance education for adult learners before her retirement in 2012.
Ecclesiastes 12:7 – “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it”