JERRETT, Yvonne Marcella Jerrett

Passed away peacefully on February 13, 2026, at The Villages of Taunton Mills in Whitby, Ontario, likely already organizing bingo and getting the dancing started on the other side.

Born and raised in Sydney Mines, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Yvonne carried that unmistakable East Coast spirit with her wherever she went strong, spirited, loyal, and never, ever afraid to have the last word.

Beloved wife of 65 years to the late Ernest Joseph Jerrett, Yvonne was his partner in everything, especially in keeping him grounded and occasionally reminding him who was really in charge. If something needed fixing, organizing, or correcting, Yvonne was already on it. Together they built a life centered on family, resilience, laughter, and the kind of love that survives decades of playful debates.

Cherished mother of Erna Laffan (Bernie), Corrine Greco (Tom), Irene Costello (Jim), and Donna Jerrett, all of whom inherited varying levels of her determination and quick wit. Proud and devoted grandmother to Michael (Trish), Jarrett (Siana), and Jonathan (Aubrey) Greco, and Caitlin Costello (Nolan) and Rachel Costello-Hayes (Dan). She adored her great-grandchildren Elle, Sydney, and Lyla, who brought her endless joy. One of her only regrets was not being able to meet the two newest additions to the family, Delphine and Colin — though we’re quite certain she already knows exactly who they are.

Yvonne was predeceased by her husband Ernie, with whom she shared a lifetime of memories, mischief, and more than a few “discussions” that she usually won.

To know Yvonne was to know personality. She was saucy, spunky, and just mischievous enough to keep everyone slightly on edge. She loved playing tricks on people and took great pride in a perfectly delivered one-liner, often sealing it with her signature phrase: “So there.”

She also enjoyed her rum and Diet Pepsi, properly poured. A story that has made the family laugh for years involves her grandsons carefully watering down the rum to hide that they had helped themselves without their parents’ knowledge. Rather than scold them, Yvonne found it absolutely hilarious and applauded their resourcefulness. She approved of a little well-executed mischief, especially when it was clever.

She was famously a picky eater, firmly believing that the best foods were the ones that weren’t green. If it looked healthy, she was suspicious. But while her menu choices were selective, her love was not. She had a soft spot for children and animals, and her heart always seemed to expand to make room for one more.

Yvonne loved getting dressed up and going dancing, and she expected everyone else to keep up. She enjoyed a good game of bingo (especially if she won), and was a dedicated volunteer at the Legion, where she gave her time generously and likely kept a few people in line.

For over 12 years, she worked at Oshawa General Hospital as a dedicated and fun-loving employee who genuinely enjoyed interacting with patients and colleagues alike. She brought humor to hard days and never missed an opportunity for a chat, or to share her opinion.

She was not the quiet strength; she was the spirited one. You knew she was mad when she started to hum “Lord Help Me Jesus.” That hum was a warning. She was the organizer when needed, the matriarch always, and the energy in the room whether you were ready for it or not. She left stories everywhere she went, and most of them are repeatable.

Cremation has taken place, in accordance with her wishes. Interment will follow later in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia, where her story began and where, no doubt, the rum is full proof, and the spirits are just as spirited as she was.

Yvonne will be remembered for her quick wit, her stubborn streak, her love of animals, her loyalty to family, and the spark that made her entirely and unapologetically herself. She leaves behind a family who will continue to laugh at her stories, quote her often, and hear her voice in their heads, usually reminding them she was right.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at The Villages of Taunton Mills and St. Elizabeth Health Care for their compassion and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ontario SPCA and designated to the Humane Society of Durham Region Animal Centre, in her memory.