In memory of
Yvonne Freda Baker
August 8, 1928 - August 22, 2025
It is with hearts full of sorrow and love that we announce the passing of our dearly beloved mother, precious grandmother, and cherished great-grandmother.
Yvonne passed away at Orchard Villa in Pickering, shortly after celebrating her 97th birthday, on Friday, August 22nd, following a period of illness that she bore with her usual grit and cheerful determination.
She will be deeply missed by her loving daughter, Robin (Denise); her son, Tom (Debbie); and her grandchildren, Laura (Victor) and Richard (Lisa). For her great-grandchildren, Aidan, Patrick, Harlowe, and Maverick, the loss of their GG will leave an irreplaceable void.
Born into the loving May family, Yvonne was one of 13 children. She had a very happy childhood in the Beaches area of Toronto, surrounded by the warmth of her close-knit family. She is survived by her brother, Richard (June), her sister, Vivian, and her sister-in-law, Beverly.
In her early career, Yvonne began working in the ladies' fashion department at Eaton's, where she discovered her lifelong passion for fashion and beauty. She was always impeccably put together, from head to toe, with every detail—her handbag, shoes, and jewelry—perfectly coordinated. Her formidable knowledge of fashion and legendary polished style earned her the affectionate nickname "Miss Fashionista."
Later, Yvonne took on the role of style advisor and chaperone to the contestants of the Miss Canada and Miss Teen Canada pageants. This chapter allowed her to shine, offering exciting new experiences as she traveled across the country.
An avid traveler and adventurer, Yvonne relished exploring the world, enjoying many memorable trips with Robin and Denise, both in Canada and abroad. She loved recounting her travel stories, especially those shared with her brothers, John and Richard, with whom she had a special bond. In her 40s, Yvonne even learned to drive, and after that, nothing could stop her. She continued to explore her surroundings in her beloved white Honda until the age of 92. Few would guess that she also had a deep appreciation for stylish cars and knew quite a lot about them!
And many might not know that she once fearlessly tackled a large snake in her garage in Florida, being, truly, a brave warrior when called upon!
With her ever-present sparkle and baby blue eyes, Yvonne had a wonderful sense of humor, a dry wit, and a razor-sharp mind almost to the very end. She had a keen interest in others, a natural gift for making strangers feel at ease, and a tremendous zest for life. Yvonne was ahead of her time—a woman whose forward-thinking and selfless vision touched countless lives in ways too numerous to recount here. Family was her pride and joy, and she always put them fist. For her loved ones, Yvonne was ever-ready with her special apple pie and famous butter tarts.
She will be dearly loved and forever missed in our hearts.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Orchard Villa for their exceptional care during her final days.
A private family interment will be held at St. John's Cemetery in Toronto, as per her wishes.
Yvonne passed away at Orchard Villa in Pickering, shortly after celebrating her 97th birthday, on Friday, August 22nd, following a period of illness that she bore with her usual grit and cheerful determination.
She will be deeply missed by her loving daughter, Robin (Denise); her son, Tom (Debbie); and her grandchildren, Laura (Victor) and Richard (Lisa). For her great-grandchildren, Aidan, Patrick, Harlowe, and Maverick, the loss of their GG will leave an irreplaceable void.
Born into the loving May family, Yvonne was one of 13 children. She had a very happy childhood in the Beaches area of Toronto, surrounded by the warmth of her close-knit family. She is survived by her brother, Richard (June), her sister, Vivian, and her sister-in-law, Beverly.
In her early career, Yvonne began working in the ladies' fashion department at Eaton's, where she discovered her lifelong passion for fashion and beauty. She was always impeccably put together, from head to toe, with every detail—her handbag, shoes, and jewelry—perfectly coordinated. Her formidable knowledge of fashion and legendary polished style earned her the affectionate nickname "Miss Fashionista."
Later, Yvonne took on the role of style advisor and chaperone to the contestants of the Miss Canada and Miss Teen Canada pageants. This chapter allowed her to shine, offering exciting new experiences as she traveled across the country.
An avid traveler and adventurer, Yvonne relished exploring the world, enjoying many memorable trips with Robin and Denise, both in Canada and abroad. She loved recounting her travel stories, especially those shared with her brothers, John and Richard, with whom she had a special bond. In her 40s, Yvonne even learned to drive, and after that, nothing could stop her. She continued to explore her surroundings in her beloved white Honda until the age of 92. Few would guess that she also had a deep appreciation for stylish cars and knew quite a lot about them!
And many might not know that she once fearlessly tackled a large snake in her garage in Florida, being, truly, a brave warrior when called upon!
With her ever-present sparkle and baby blue eyes, Yvonne had a wonderful sense of humor, a dry wit, and a razor-sharp mind almost to the very end. She had a keen interest in others, a natural gift for making strangers feel at ease, and a tremendous zest for life. Yvonne was ahead of her time—a woman whose forward-thinking and selfless vision touched countless lives in ways too numerous to recount here. Family was her pride and joy, and she always put them fist. For her loved ones, Yvonne was ever-ready with her special apple pie and famous butter tarts.
She will be dearly loved and forever missed in our hearts.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Orchard Villa for their exceptional care during her final days.
A private family interment will be held at St. John's Cemetery in Toronto, as per her wishes.