Yvonne Lois Bridgman (née Bateman)
December 22, 1930 – June 6, 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving mother and grandmother. Yvonne was born December 22nd , 1930 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and passed away on June 6th, 2023 at Simcoe Hospice in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. Predeceased by her parents Gordon and Mayme Bateman and her sister Ira-Jane Wilton. She is reunited with her life partner, Jim Feather. Loving mother of Wendy (Paul) and Shelley (Steve). Devoted grandmother to Coleman (Ashley), Robin (Rory) and Carley. Fondly remembered by Jim’s children and grandchildren.
A woman of many accomplishments, she graduated from the University of Toronto in Household Sciences and began her career with Enbridge, creating recipes in their test kitchen. A holiday to England instigated a career change where she was instrumental in assisting with the launch of the family wholesale giftware business. At age 42, she attended Seneca College to brush up on her business and computer skills. Continuing her love of the giftware industry, Yvonne was involved in the creation of the Canadian Gift and Tableware Association (now called CanGift) and served as the president for 18 years until her retirement in 1996. Yvonne also enjoyed curling and lawn bowling, being a member of the Thornhill Golf and Country Club and the Willowdale Lawn Bowling Club. She served as the president of the Ontario Lawn Bowling Association for many years. She enjoyed nothing more that a good game of bridge and was also a voracious reader and could almost always be found with a book in her hand, right up to her final days.
For all of her accomplishments, the highlight of her life was her grandchildren. She was an active audience member for soccer games, dance recitals and at horse stables. Her joy was watching her grandchildren grow and her love will stay on with them.
Visitation will take place at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie on Sunday, June 11th, 2023 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A private interment will take place at the Queensville Cemetery, 20778 Leslie St., Queensville. Donations in Yvonne’s memory may be made to either the Barrie Food Bank or Hospice Simcoe and are greatly appreciated by the family.
Online condolences and memoires may be left at www.steckleygooderham.com