Obituary

Yvonne Louise Carter, fondly known as “Yvie”, age 73, surrounded by her family, returned home to her heavenly Father on November 11, 2016 after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Yvonne was born August 18, 1943, to Mariano and Adeline (Changala) Martinez in Upland, CA, where she grew up as the middle child between her beloved brothers, Gary & Renee Martinez. Yvonne attended Upland High School, where she met that reckless boy, Dean Carter, who would forever keep her on her toes, while simultaneously becoming the love of her life! After graduating high school in 1962, Yvonne attended Chaffey Junior College prior to beginning administrative work at Bank of America. Shortly thereafter, Dean proposed, and on April 12, 1964, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, six hundred guests watched as the two were announced Mr. and Mrs. Dean Carter. The newlyweds would go on to have two beautiful children together, Tony and Kristi. To say that Yvonne was a devoted, caring, giving, and loving mother would be an understatement. Her occupation, personal motivation, and every ounce of her being was concentrated on two things in life: being a mom and a wife, and everyone knew it. She made a house a home, with her overstocked pantry, homemade meals, never ending laughs, and best of all, her wide open, welcoming arms. Yvonne kept the type of home that welcomed her numerous “second children” over the years, and she had a way of making everyone feel a part of the Carter family. Her biggest promotion in life came with the title of “Grandma” in January of 1995 when her first granddaughter, Alyxandria (Carter) was born. Almost ten years later, in September of 2004, she was blessed yet again with her second granddaughter, Mykah (Carter).
Yvonne’s true passion in life was raising an honorable family. However, in addition to this, after Dean and Yvonne moved their family to Bellingham in August of 1978, she filled her spare time working for Ennen’s as a sampler. Yvonne also worked for American Greetings, and as a sales representative for AVON for over 20 years. If anyone knew how to enjoy the little things in life, it was Yvonne. She looked forward each week to her Wednesday morning conversations with her best friend Susie in California, and she loved reading cheesy romance novels, playing her favorite card game: “Hands and Feet,” drinking wine, reminiscing over good times, and cooking for a full house. Some of her family’s favorite meals were her tacos, enchiladas, macaroni salad, biscuits and gravy, and “Machi Chicken.” Yvonne, like a true Californian, treasured her time spent in the sunshine. When she was younger, much of her time was spent with family and friends at their property on the Colorado River. After moving to Bellingham, Yvonne’s favorite place to be during the summertime was on Lake Whatcom, boating and basking in the sun.
In 2011, Yvonne and her family began going to Hawaii each year during the winter months, where she and Dean would stay for a month at a time. She would come back tan, glowing like the ball of sunshine she was! Yvonne was the epitome of a giver; she embodied that role with her completely selfless nature, as holidays served as the perfect excuse for her to hand out “a little something extra,” especially to her granddaughters. And, it only made sense that Christmas was Yvonne’s favorite holiday, one in which she started shopping as soon as the New Year rolled around. Wrapping presents was at least a week long event, and Santa even made a “pit stop” at Gram and Pop’s.
For Yvonne, family was her entire world, and she ensured that not a second went by that they didn’t feel loved unconditionally. She had a heart of gold, a smile that had a way of lighting up any room, and a contagious laugh. She imprinted the lives of anyone and everyone who ever met her, through her genuine sweetness.
Yvonne was preceded in death by her father and mother, Mariano and Adeline (Martinez). She is survived by her husband Dean, son Tony (Suzet), daughter Kristi (Dave), granddaughters, Alyxandria and Mykah, brothers Gary (Barbara) and Rene (Laura) Martinez, nephews; Eric, Gary, and JD, nieces; Michelle, Wendy, and Julie, amongst numerous extended adored family, and precious friends.
A Celebration of Life honoring Yvonne’s beautiful life & legacy will be held on Sunday, December 11, 2016 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Squalicum Boathouse in Bellingham.
All who knew and loved her are welcome to join us. Squalicum Boathouse: 2600 N Harbor Loop Dr. Bellingham, WA 98225.