June 22, 1938 - October 14, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
It is with sadness, but great appreciation for a life well-lived, that we announce the death of our dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Yvonne Marie Wardas. Mom was born in Vancouver, B.C. on June 22, 1938 and died in Qualicum Beach, B.C. on October 14, 2023 at the age of 85.
Mom is predeceased by her husband Bruno who she was married to for 22 years.
She is survived by her brothers Frank (Phyllis) and Carl (Lorna), eldest son, Michael (Michelle); son Derek; and daughter, Tanya; grandchildren, Michael (Jessica), Daniella, Adrianna, Jacob, Justin, Tyler and Amber; and great-grandchildren Cody, London, Mason and Jaxon.
Mom grew up in the village of Horseshoe Bay where her father was a fisherman. There she delivered papers up and down the monstrous staircases that led from the one road through the village. At that time there was only one two lane winding road that led from West Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay and beyond.
Being the oldest and with her mom working and dad fishing she was put in charge of her younger brothers. She commuted to West Van high via the long school bus ride.
She met Bruno, a handsome Financial Advisor for Investors Syndicate while she was a secretary there in 1964. They fell in love shortly after, got married and started a family in North Vancouver. Their love for each other was always evident by the attention and respect they always showed each other.
Mom stayed at home to raise her three children and made lifelong friends along the way. She was easy to talk to and always quick with a smile and a laugh. While taking care of the house, her husband, and children she picked up painting. She started going to painting classes and really honed her craft. She has painted everything from beautiful landscapes, to flowers, to people, you name it she's likely painted it.
When mom's husband Bruno passed away in March of 1987 mom was devastated. She had lost the love of her life. Always drawn to the water she moved from the mountains to join her brothers on the Island. There she would start her final chapter and create a whole new circle of friends.
Once settled in Qualicum Beach, Yvonne joined the local newcomers' club and, later, its alumni clubs QBANA and Paraiso. Yvonne easily made many new friends through these groups and participated in many of the clubs' social events and activity groups.
Yvonne loved games, especially crib; she enjoyed Poker but didn't play often as she knew she 'didn't have the face for it'! She took up golf, went on many outings with friends; she particularly enjoyed an annual outing to TsaKwaLuten on Quadra Island.
Yvonne kept in touch with some Vancouver friends and made several out-of-country trips with them. She also enjoyed several cruises with her Qualicum Beach friends. Yvonne's presence always ensured a good time!
Even with a full social calendar, Yvonne made time for volunteering. Her cheery smile accompanied her while driving the shuttle cart at Milner Gardens, helping at Stroke Recovery gatherings, driving SOS clients to appointments, organizing the QBANA Christmas Stockings for donating to SOS, greeting members at The Seniors' Center.
Yvonne moved to Qualicum Beach in 2003. Since then, she had been very active in, and supportive of, Newcomers and QBANA. Every time mom played games with friends, she always a glass of wine in hand, and always went to bed recalling she had 'won' (whether it was true or not!). She loved being around people and people enjoyed being with her. Her smiling face will be missed.
Celebration of Life details will be announced shortly.