“Yvonne was defined by her love for her family,” said Bob, her husband of the past 48 years.
“She was a courageous woman, who lived life with such positivity. Yvonne always had a smile on her face and had such a generous disposition, always helping someone.”
She was born in Benoni on December 16, 1944, as Yvonne Crous, later attending Tom Newby and Benoni High schools.
As her father worked for the mines, she initially lived in New Modder but moved to Farrarmere in her teen years.
In May she made her final move: to Country Life Retirement Village, in Brentwood Park.
Yvonne never moved away from the town, but loved to travel.
“She loved family holidays and we have so many wonderful memories of our travels overseas and in South Africa – to Dullstroom, Kruger National Park, Sun City, Umhlanga and Cape Town,” said Bob.
Bob said they also travelled extensively to Europe and the USA.
Yvonne became a community figure when she served as a member of Ladies Circle Golden East 181 from 1969 till 1980; and was also involved in the Benoni Van Ryn Rotary Anns.
“In the latter years she was a very committed Rotary Ann; she served a term as president, where her focus was to help the elderly and children in need,” Bob added.
In 2014 she was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship Award, Rotary’s highest form of recognition.
Until her death, Yvonne remained active in Rotary and never gave up on helping others.
Her husband said: “She was a hard worker who didn’t like the limelight, so she was always busy behind the scenes.”
“She was a loyal friend, a good listener and enjoyed the company of other people very much.
“So many people have said it has been such an inspiration, to see how she fought cancer for 13 years with dignity and optimism.”
Yvonne was diagnosed with five different types of cancer since 2003; and died of the disease in the end.
“A fighter, Yvonne never let the cancer get on top of her; she was a very strong lady,” Bob added.
“She was always so uncomplaining and so positive; and always exceeded everyone’s expectations.
“Yvonne’s primary role was always her family, but she did take on various flexi-time bookkeeping jobs while the children were growing up.”
Her first job was at the United Building Society where she worked until she had her first child.
She also worked at the Permanent Bank and for a number of years, was a bookkeeper at the Spar in Bailey Street.
Yvonne leaves behind Bob, her son Ian, his wife Courtney and their three children: Kersten (13), Hayden (10) and Sean (5).
She is also survived by her daughter Leigh-Ann, her husband Adrian and their children: Bruce (13) and Kate (11).
Her funeral was held at the Benoni Catholic Church, in the CBD on October 21.
“Yvonne was a devoted mother and grandmother until her passing,” her husband added.
“Hers was a life lived in service of others and for her love of God; a life well lived.”
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