March 1, 1933 - November 13, 2022
In loving memory ~
Yvonne, a resident of Courtenay, BC, died peacefully at her home on Sunday, November 13, 2022.
She was born on March 1, 1933 in Oungre, Saskatchewan, oldest child of Earl and René Severson. Yvonne had 2 brothers: Shelby (Vivian) and Evan (Ruth). The family moved many times during their early years and she eventually settled in the Vancouver area where she attended Normal School and became a teacher in the mid-50s. Yvonne met her first husband Doug Beckett while attending the church of Christ at 12th and Carolina in Vancouver, and they were married on March 31, 1956. Their first child, Wendy, was born in 1958 followed by their son, Murray, in 1961.
Yvonne taught at Hillcrest Elementary in Coquitlam, then finally Birchland Elementary in Port Coquitlam before retiring in the mid-80s. Doug and Yvonne enjoyed camping trips, and visiting family and friends across Western Canada, until Doug's passing in 2003 after 47 years of marriage.
Doug and Yvonne enjoyed visits with their children: Wendy and Murray (Diana) and 3 grandchildren: Tyler (Holly), Ashleigh (Collin) and Matthew. In later years, Yvonne loved to see pictures of and hear stories about her great-grandsons: Hunter, Landon, Declan, Kalyb, Treyton, Jace and Hendrik.
In December, 2008, Yvonne met Charles Gould of Courtenay, BC, and they married on September 12, 2009 after a short engagement. For the past 13 years she spoke highly of her new life on the Island, her church family, and many new friends here, and loved to visit the beach in search of shells. Yvonne and Charles travelled to Ontario where she met and was warmly welcomed as part of the Gould family. Mom always spoke fondly of her new family: Charles' children: Mary (Jim), Drew (Lizzy), grandchildren: Dan (Ashley), Cheryl (Igor), Laura (Jeff), Brian (Danielle), Sheri, Jaide, and great-grandchildren: Tiffany, Lilah, Lily, Spencer, Cierra, Hannah, Josh, Josslyn, brother-in-law: Robert Gould and sister-in-law: Donna (Ian) Ramsey. Yvonne loved animals and was especially fond of their cat, JoJo.
Over the past 2 years, as Yvonne's health was failing, she enjoyed visits with her children and friends, and spoke about the wonderful care she received at the hospital in Courtenay. Special thanks as well to the VIHA Home Care team for their kindness and attention.
A small service was held on Friday, November 18 at the Comox Valley Funeral Home for family. We are planning to have a celebration of Yvonne's life in the Spring. Details to be announced.