On February 12, 2021, God called back one of his angels.
Mary Joan is survived by her husband of seventy years, Howard Nelson (Bud) Yates; son Mark (Tonya); daughter Maureen (Gary); as well as her grandchildren, Kristen (Kyle), Michelle (Dylan), Maxxwell, and Kai; step-grandchildren, Rollin, Lexi (Robert), and Cade; step-great-grandchildren, Kamryn and Kynlee.
She is predeceased by her parents, Worlend and Jean Hemstock; and her siblings; George, Jack, Joyce, and Lloyd.
There are souls that are kind, there are souls that are just, and there are souls that make a mark on every person they touch. Mary Joan touched the hearts of all those she met in every facet of her life. She was passionate in everything she did, whether it was travel, quilting, bridge, or even just a chat with friends. Mary Joan always put her heart and soul into everything and everyone.
If the soul is immortal and the spirit is endless, then Mary Joan Yates is life eternal. Rest in peace, rest in love, rest in the immortal memory of those who knew you; those who love you. If life is finite, then Mary Joan is infinite.
Our family would like to express our sincerest gratitude to Marcia Cabrera and Dr. Fraser Armstrong for their endless care and compassion that allowed Mary Joan to remain at home surrounded by her loved ones in the last weeks of her life.
Given the current pandemic restrictions, a celebration of Mary Joan’s life will be held at a later date.
Connelly-McKinley says
We would like to offer our condolences to the Yates Family.
We used to live around the corner from Mary Joan and Nelson. I’m not sure if you would remember us, but we are thinking of Mary Joan and remember her very dearly.
Joan & Cy McAndrews
Grace LeClerc MacAlister says
I am sorry to hear of your loss and send my sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Take care.
Grace LeClerc-MacAlister
Roma Newcombe says
My sincere Condolences to Bud, Mark and family, Maureen and family.
May your cherished memories be a consolation at this time.
Barbara Mcmillan says
Please accept my sympathies at this great loss to your family.
Rosemary and Earl says
Maureen and Family,
Sorry for your loss. We are thinking about you during this difficult time.
Barb Gerolamy says
Dear Maureen and Family,
There simply are no words, but may the love and support of family and friends comfort you at this sad time.
“Heaven, we know, just got a little bit brighter”.
With heartfelt sympathy and much love,
Barb and Howie
Debra and Tom Wooding says
Our heartfelt condolences to you Bud, Maureen and Mark and family. We will always remember Mary Joan with great fondness; she was indeed one of the kindest souls with such empathy and compassion for all. Visiting in Maui was always a highlight of our year as Mary Joan would whip up scrumptious appetizers along with a lovely bottle of wine that Bud would open. A infinitely wonderful lady – what a lovely angel she will be! Deepest sympathy, Debra and Tom Wooding