Yvonne Elizabeth Martin

Mrs. Yvonne Elizabeth (née Connelly) Martin passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Listowel Memorial Hospital on April 19, 2021. She was in her 76th year.

 

Yvonne was the beloved wife of Don for 50 years and the loving sister-in-law of Elizabeth Anne (George) Procter, and Gertraude Martin. She was the cherished aunt of Gordon (Andrea) Martin, Kate Procter, Jennifer Cooper, and Tammy Martin.

 

Yvonne was predeceased by her parents Ferg (1963) and Leona (2010) Connelly, brother-in-law Peter Martin (2013), and nephew David Martin (1992). She will be especially missed by furry friends Molly and Dusty.

 

Friendship was one of the most important aspects of Yvonne’s life. She touched many lives with her caring ways, sense of humour, zest for life and ability to connect with people of all ages. A life-long learner herself, she was a positive influence on her students as she prepared them for life. Starting in 1964, she spent most of her career at Grey Central Public School.  She earned her BA in Education in 1977 and dedicated her life to her school and her students. She had the respect of her students and colleagues, who were her special friends. 

 

She met Don in 1964, the love of her life, and they married on Aug. 1, 1970, beginning a life-long adventure. Along with her teaching and learning roles, she made a vital contribution to the farm she and Don shared near Ethel. 

 

Active and outdoorsy, Don and Yvonne enjoyed canoeing, before taking up flying. Yvonne and Don both obtained their pilot licences, and they enjoyed many hours of seeing the world from a bird’s eye view. This led to an active membership in the International Flying Farmers, of which Ontario Flying Farmers was a chapter. Yvonne was honoured to be named Duchess of the International Flying Farmers, and she used her skills to write the newsletter for the Ontario Flying Farmers for several years. She developed many friends throughout the U.S. and Canada through her passion for flying. Don and

Yvonne hosted several fly-ins at their farm. 

 

Yvonne loved music. She was an accomplished pianist and was a valued member of several choirs and enjoyed dancing and square dancing. 

 

After retirement, Yvonne enjoyed pursuing her love of photography and was a member of the Maitland Valley Camera Club. Yvonne and Don also enjoyed travelling and were able to explore Scotland, Ireland, England, Newfoundland, and the east and west coasts of Canada. 

 

Yvonne kept her positive attitude throughout her battle with lymphoma and passed peacefully, with her family close by. 
A Catholic Funeral Mass took place on Wednesday, April 21 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Brussels. Father Vargees Devas officiated.

 

Cremation will take place and a private, family interment will be held at a later date.

 

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations to The Citizen newspaper, The Blyth Centre for the Arts, the Brussels Cemetery, or the Listowel Memorial Hospital would be appreciated. 

 

Cards of sympathy and donations may be sent to Box 340, Brussels, ON N0G 1H0.

 

Condolences may be left at www.riversidefuneralhome.ca.