Obituary of Yvonne Renee French
Her Legacy… Yvonne French was born September 29, 1936 in Washington D.C, to Rene and Helene Moser. She passed into eternal life on June 22, 2017, surrounded by family at her Oroville home. Yvonne grew up in College Park, Maryland, the second of four children and an extended family of grandparents and relatives. She spoke only French until entering elementary school. She graduated from Northwestern High where she met her first school sweetie and lifelong husband Doug French. They were married at the earliest legal age of 18 and in 1954 she made a home from a travel trailer in Oroville, where they immediately started a family. In 1969 Yvonne began 27 years of work at Poplar Avenue School. Though she was titled “school secretary” her duties included nurse, janitor, principal, and staff administrator. She made lifelong friends of coworkers and students. She loved dressing for Halloween and kept a huge inventory of costumes. Those in need of a wig or groovy bell bottoms may contact the family. In 1996 Yvonne and Doug embraced an adventurous retirement, including nights of sailing and patio boating, and extensive travel in their RV. They enjoyed National Parks, Europe, Africa, and even zip lines in Costa Rica. Their travels included mission trips. They spent months away with friends in RV parks across the US. Yvonne committed her life to Christ and spent a life of fellowship at the Nazarene Church. She raised her girls to know the Lord as well as to sit still in church. She leaves a legacy of believers to the next two generations. She loved to minister by hosting a life group, discipling new believers, and emailing encouragement to all. If you’re reading this, you have been on her prayer list!
Her Family… Yvonne is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved mother-in-law, Sally, and her sister, Odette. She is survived by a grateful family: husband Doug French, daughters Debi (Cash) Colby, Dora (Lawrence) Paul, Susie (David) Conner, and grandchildren Jordan, Grayson, Natalie, Emily, Chuck, Katie, and Grant. She is also survived by her siblings, Christine Baker and Raymond Moser. She leaves eight great grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Her Farewell Service… A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Oroville Church of the Nazarene, 2238 Monte Vista Ave., Oroville, California. Arrangements are entrusted to Ramsey Funeral Home, 530-534-3877.
