June 13th, 1928 - June 23rd, 2016
The family of Yolande Irene Courtright of Courtenay, British Columbia sadly announce her passing on 23rd June 2016 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox, British Columbia. Although struggling at times with illnesses over the last few years, she died peacefully and in the presence of her closest local friends at the age of 88. Born 13th June 1928 in Muskegon, Michigan USA, to Albert Maywood Courtright of Paulding, Ohio USA and Germaine Yvonnette (Côté) Courtright of Trois Pistoles, Québec, Canada, she was the oldest of two children. She was preceded in death by her younger brother, Alan M Courtright, in 2005.
A brief memorial was held 24th June 2016 at Toneff’s Funeral Home in Courtenay and she has since been cremated. Her ashes will be dispersed with her immediate family present in one year’s time in Seabeck, Washington USA, where her brother’s ashes are spread.
Affectionately known as Tante Yo to her immediate family, she never married or had children but she is survived by her sister-in-law Rosemary of Bainbridge Island, Washington USA, three nephews, Mitchel of Salt Lake City, Utah USA, Jeffry and Chad, both of Boise, Idaho USA and one niece, Spring of Port Orchard, Washington USA. She is also survived by one grand niece, Andrea, and one grand nephew, Ryan, both of Boise, Idaho USA.
Professionally trained as a Librarian, she had many interests in the arts including acting, painting and sculpting. She was also a very accomplished clothing designer, having designed and made many of the items she wore. She appeared on stage in numerous local and regional productions in her home state as well as New Mexico and even doubled as a set decorator and costume designer. After receiving her degree in Library Sciences, she emigrated from the US to Canada in 1971 and continued working in the profession in several cities in Eastern Canada, including Toronto and Halifax, eventually retiring to Sooke, British Columbia. After a move to Merville, she settled in Courtenay about 15 years ago. She enjoyed working in her Japanese-inspired garden, landscaping and making her own clothes.
Yolande held firm the Taoist tradition of living in harmony with the cosmic structure of the universe. Death is a part of that natural order and something she did not fear. That structure carried her though most of her adult life and influenced the design and placement of the “things” in her life. She would like to thank the Knowledge Network of Vancouver, BC, home of her favorite television programming, for providing her with uncountable hours of entertainment and enlightenment