Sadly Yvonne died peacefully at midday today,with her mum and Christina at her side.

She was an amazing woman whose vast knowledge knew no bounds and amazed those around her. She had an enthusiasm for life and it's opportunities, which manifested itself in the continuous flow of bizarre projects, schemes and ideas, existed right up until the end.

Her strength and courage within the last months has been an inspirational example as to the way to live your life.

She will be much missed and loved by many and her spirit will live on in those whose lives she touched and who have learnt so much from her.

I've been over to Yvonne's this afternoon, she is peaceful and comfortable with occassional moments of clarity,
Jen came over from France and spent some time with Yvonne yesterday.

Her mum is asking that she remains quiet now, so please no visitors as this puts Margaret in the very awkward position of having to turn people away.

The one thing Margaret would like help with is that if people could post any funny stories or anecdotes about Yvonne here or send them to me,as she'd like to compile them.

I'm sure we can all come up with some corkers.

tricia

Wednesday update

I have just left Yvonnes side having spent some precious time with her before I leave for the airport. We talked of how many memories we had and marvelled that in 14 years of knowing each other and working together neither of us could ever remember having had even a hint of a cross word. Every time I walk into my house I see two of Yvonnes pieces of art work to admire in my hall. They are my treasures.
I left her resting peacefully and in the caring hands of margaret, Christina and Angela. I will travel with her constantly in my thoughts.

Annie 2.30pm Wednesday 3rd February

Yvonne has had a few very bad nights.
Although asleep most of the time,
when she is awake, she is now not really able to things take in.
But she is now comfortable and not in any pain,

tricia

I saw Yvonne yesterday evening, before her night nurse arrived.
Although very weak she was feeling quite upbeat and "energised".
Her visitors during the day had taken her into the living room for the afternoon which was a rare treat.

She'd asked me to go over as she'd had a idea for some art work that she wanted to talk over.!!

She is very weak but generally in bright spirits.

Unfortunately she is not able to have visitors other than close family. But if people would like to pass on their best wishes I am printing off the comments for her to read at her lesiure.

tricia

friday update

Yvonne has had a week of ups and downs and expereinced some breakthrough pain. This has now been sorted out with increased medication. She also accepted the offer of marie Curie night nurses for a couple of nights this week which she felt would make Margaret feel more relaxed about things. However last night (Thursday) we returned to the rota and I was able to spend a little time with Yvonne.
She still continutes to amaze me. She had thought that the central heating boiler sounded a bit funny - (no one else had noticed) so she drew a little techinical diagram to illustrate what she thought might be the problem. The boiler repair man arrived to take a look and found she was absolutely right in every respect!
Thursday night was a comfortable one and when I left this morning Yvonne was ready to sleep for a while after the nurses had made their morning visit.
As expected more time is now spent resting and visits are being kept to a real minimum.
Her flat looks and smells wonderful thanks to all the beautiful flowers that have been sent. They are much appreciated as are the entries on the blog and the cards and letters.
Annie Friday 29th January

After all the excitment and pampering yesterday, Yvonne looked very glamourous with her first ever manicure, (contrasting her usual allotment stained fingers).

She was very tired but thrilled to see all those that had travelled so far to see her.

We had a peaceful night, and thankfully the cooker remained silent.

Tricia