Yvonne was loving, warm, vibrant and very family orientated. She always went out of her way to help others and was always putting other people first, even later in her life whilst she was so ill. She was a happy woman who was always laughing and had a real passion for life. She had a wonderful fun sense of humour and made friends easily. She formed many long lasting friendships over the years and many of you are here today.
Yvonne Constance Stone was born on 28 August 1942, in Lingfield Surrey, to proud parents Charles and Dorothy. In a short space of time Yvonne went on to be a big sister to Jan and John.
Yvonne grew up on various farms in England as Charles, her father, was employed as a Chief Herdsman. The whole family had to move around the country from farm to farm, wherever Charles could find work.
From an early age Yvonne considered others when in fact it should have been her receiving attention – an example as a child of about 7 or 8 on returning home from a period in a convalescent home in Hunstanton. Yvonne remarkably bought presents home for her sister and brother.
The three siblings spent a happy childhood in different parts of the countryside but Orford had a special place in their hearts, living there for 4 years. They attended the local chapel with their mother and Yvonne sometimes played the organ at Sunday school.
As a sister Yvonne was generous, supportive, caring, lifting your spirits with her positive look at life. She was very genuine and warm, this never better demonstrated as when she greeted you with ‘hello dear’. Yvonne was amusing and lit up any room.
Yvonne left school at 15 and from her home in Orford travelled to Ipswich in the farm beet lorry. The story goes that when arriving at Ipswich, bike on top of the sugar beet, Yvonne had to shout at the driver as he pulled away "my bike please". The bike was retrieved complete with a shower of beet coming down in the road.
Yvonne spent her early days in lodgings and worked as a dental nurse. After a short time she joined the telephone exchange as a telephonist. Training took place in Norwich and all the girls in training had to learn the song "Come on City" as they were expected to support Norwich City football team.
She forged strong long lasting friendships with her work friends at the telephone exchange, and shared many a joke and prank on the unsuspecting public! Quite a few households were asked to flush their lavatories on advice from the "water board".
Yvonne met Vic at St Lawrence ballroom, Ipswich, when she was 17 years of age. The late 50's were the start of rock and roll and girls dressed in dresses with big flare skirts, and lads in drain pipe trousers and suede shoes.
One of the early dates with Vic was a trip to the wrestling, Yvonne was not impressed.
In 1960 Vic was called up for National Service. This was a dark year for Yvonne as her mother died with cancer. Vic was lucky enough to get leave from the army to support her and her family.
Yvonne and Vic married on 3rd November 1962 at St Helen's Church, Ipswich, with Yvonne being just 20 years of age. They spent 3 days on honeymoon in London throwing pennies in the River Thames.
Upon return from honeymoon, Vic and Yvonne moved into a flat for 6 months. They had 10 shillings (worth 50 pence in today money) to last the week, what a good manager Yvonne was from day one.
Yvonne and Vic moved into their first house in early 1963, a three bed semi costing the worldly sum of £1,950.
Yvonne had two children, Bev who was born in December 1967, and Angie in July 1972. She was a devoted, loving mother who stayed at home to raise her family. There are so many happy memories of family holiday's and when the girls were growing up. Yvonne was a massive role model in both girls lives and encouraged them both in anything they wanted to pursue, she taught them both that there was nothing they couldn't achieve with determination and hard work. She was always on the touchline cheering Bev and Angie on in their earlier basketball days. Yvonne was always keen to be fully involved with Angie and her many horses, often driving a Bedford TK around the countryside. Mum was very proud of both girls career achievements and Bev's degree achieved as a mature student.
Clifford Road Ladies Club was a great source of entertainment for Yvonne, she'd been a member for over 30 years. She had a wide social circle and loved meeting up with all her friends. Yvonne was also part of the Committee and helped to organise quiz nights with her friend Rita, Yvonne often made everyone laugh when she would read the question and answer together.
Yvonne had a few part time jobs whilst Bev and Angie grew up, Sainsbury's and Pedigree pet foods are a couple which come to mind. Once the girls had grown up she gained employment at Henly's Garage where she met more long lasting friends. Henly's profits soared after she left as Yvonne was always on the telephone ringing her friends and family. There are so many funny story from her work colleagues, one was when she turned up for work with different coloured shoes on!
In 1994 Vic decided to buy a small business, Viscount Fishing Tackle, which they both ran for 9 years. Yvonne was often spotted on the fishing bank, sometimes beating Vic. She was also employed as the Financial Director and looked after the accounts, she always assuredVic the profits were spent wisely.
Vic and Yvonne decided to retire and brought a bungalow in 2001, which they renovated with help of family and friends. Yvonne loved the garden and was a very keen gardener.
Yvonne had 3 wonderful grand children who she adored - Alex, Safia and Farran,. She was very proud and supported all of them for their great academic and sporting achievements. Alex and Farran for their Football and Safia for her swimming. She loved playing jokes on them all and was always full of fun and love. She ensured she was always a massive part oftheir lives.
Vic and Yvonne had many interests and enjoyed badminton, bowling and dancing where they met many, many, friends.
Last year they both went on holiday to Benidorm with their dancing friends, lots of fun was had by all!
Benidorm is full of elderly people and mobility scooters abound particularly the double buggy designed to carry two people one behind the other. They are available to rent very cheaply on every street corner, so many people rent them just for fun. Yvonne decided that she would like to have a try. A couple were sitting on one outside the hotel and Yvonne asked very nicely if she could use it for a photoshoot.
The couple were very willing, but as the wife got off it was quite apparent to everyone’s horror that she was quite genuinely disabled. By this time it was too late, so the photoshoot went ahead but not without profuse apologies and red faces all round. Her friends have never let her forget it.
Yvonne was an active member of the choir and enjoyed singing. Even though she was only a member since May 2016, it was as though she had been there for years and was able to perform in several of the concerts. The choir member's remember her lovely smile and that she was always laughing, they hope to dedicate a concert to her later this year.
Everyone who knows Yvonne will know what a big hole she has left in their lives. An amazing and wonderful wife, mother, Grandma and friend to so many.