Yvonne PERZAN

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PERZAN: Yvonne Kathleen. February 13, 1954 – February 5, 2009. Yvonne found comfort and peace with the Lord in a hospice near Okotoks on February 5, 2009, after moving to Alberta for cancer treatment. Yvonne’s strong Faith enabled her to face each day with Hope & Courage, without complaint, knowing a place awaited, prepared by her Heavenly Father. Her passing is particularly felt by husband Ron and 3 children, son Kris (daughter-in-law Amber), younger son Jeremy (Carmelle), and the youngest, daughter Jodie, and by Ron’s father, brother, niece, nephew, and Amber’s parents. Yvonne was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, and friend. Born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. She worked hard from a young age on the family farm near Humbolt, Saskatchewan, helping grandpa with all aspects of farming and grandma with gardening and cooking, as well as lifelong assistance looking after her mother Mildred. Yvonne completed most schooling in Saskatoon, began University there, and met Ron. He graduated, accepted a Psychologist position in Manitoba at Brandon Mental Health Centre (BMHC). Although separated by distance, their love continued to grow. They married June 8, 1974. Yvonne received her degree from Brandon University, worked in the Psychology and Social Work departments at BMHC, then stayed home to raise children. Yvonne nurtured and enriched their development in so many ways – Sunday School, Science Fairs, Art Shows, sports (hockey, soccer, softball, figure skating), music (Suzuki, piano, Jazz, Band), dance, arts & crafts. A willing volunteer, she attended many meetings, taking on duties with boards and committees – Parent-Teacher Association, Secretary for figure skating club & Home-School Liaison staff, Chairperson for medal presentations at major skating competitions, chaperone at school dances and out-of-province bus trips with Band students. She contributed to numerous worthwhile endeavors - Toy Lending Library, Block Parents, Welcome Wagon, Camera Club, School "Open Houses", "Book Fairs", PTA meetings, Drama & Musical Productions, Union activities, fundraising events for charities & organizations like the Cancer Society, Women Alive & other Christian Womens’ clubs, participating in conferences, as a guest speaker inspiring others with her life story, as an enthusiastic "greeter-hostess" at functions, at Church, at luncheon tables, welcoming or leading a Bible Study for Couples in her home and being with her precious Ladies Group. Her flair for decorating made gatherings more pleasant, as did homemade family favorites like rhubarb-apple crisp. Her return to the work force was in a challenging but rewarding job that utilized her skills, talents, and personality, pursuing her passion for the wellbeing and achievement of young people in the Brandon School Division as a home-school liaison. After Christian Heritage & Riverheights Schools, her caring input was appreciated for over a decade at Crocus Plains, Harrison & most recently Linden Lanes. Hundreds of cards, letters, emails & phone calls attest to the positive influence she had on students, parents, & co-workers with her kind, encouraging, supportive, and giving nature. When others were hurting physically or emotionally, facing obstacles or having conflict, she devoted her time and energy to making things better, listening patiently to all sides of an issue and gently facilitating resolution, putting others’ needs ahead of her own. If a parent was unavailable, she would sit with sick or injured students or drive them to the hospital or home, making sure they would be safe and comfortable until a responsible adult arrived. She had a great sense of humor, acted in hilarious skits ("Pearl Squirrel", "The Hostess with the Mostess"), often with no script, just a "bagful of props" and a lot of heart-warming spontaneity, even dressing as a clown to make others laugh. In her quiet moments she read her Bible & Daily Bread. To relax, she created Memory Photobooks, sewed costumes for the kids, enjoyed arranging rustic items (plough shares & wagon wheels) in her backyard, setting up ponds for fish & frogs, playing with her pets, sitting on the front door bench, gazing in awe at flowers blooming from her touch. But her greatest pleasure in life was to have family and friends beside her. Yvonne was content to have tea and chat about anything, everything, or nothing, or sit silently to hear the birds sing. She treasured roasting hotdogs & marshmallows around the firepit in the evenings, at home or at her Minnedosa Beach cabin, rather than going out for a fancy meal. For the unique and special person she was, and there will never be another like her, she will be remembered and profoundly missed forever, for her ever-ready smile and her contagious positive attitude, extended to all whom she met. She always accepted people "as they were" with unconditional positive regard. As she would say to her children "there is nothing you can do that would make me love you any less". She packed an enormous amount of quality living into her all-too-short time on earth. We know she is busy brightening souls and spirits and very much appreciated up above! A small group of family, former Manitobans, and newly made friends celebrated Yvonne’s life at the Okotoks Alliance Church on February 10, 2009. The family is very grateful for condolences and "fondest memories about Yvonne" already received. Rather than flowers, anyone so wishing can make a memorial contribution in Yvonne’s name to: Foothills Country Hospice Society, Box 274, Okotoks, Alberta T1S1A5, knowing how easing others’ pain and suffering was important to her. Please attend a Memorial Celebration for Yvonne in Brandon, next Saturday, May 9th, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in the new Grand Valley Community Church, 18th & Braecrest Dr.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 02, 2009