Passed away peacefully in Salmon Arm, BC on December 25, 2014 at the age of 79 after a long, courageous battle with dementia. It is with great sadness, and loss, that we must say goodbye to a beautiful, loving mother, sister, aunt and friend, that we will cherish forever.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Karen Swaffield (Luis Vargas), brother, Roy Rokosh, and niece and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank & Alma Rokosh, and brother, Frank “Bud” Rokosh. Yvonne was born in Revelstoke, BC on October 12, 1935 and grew up in Solsqua, BC; however, she spent most of her life in Vancouver, BC.
Yvonne built a successful career in the lumber industry in Vancouver, working for more than 40 years in this field. She was an extremely conscientious professional who was highly respected by her peers.
Yvonne was musically gifted and played the piano from a young age. She played in bands in the Eagle Valley when she was a teenager, and well into her adulthood. She was unable to play the piano in the last six months of her life. Prior to that, and even with the dementia, she was always able to sit down at the piano and play beautifully for those who were listening.
Yvonne enjoyed spending time laughing with friends and family, playing the piano, knitting, playing cards, and traveling. Those of us who were lucky enough to know and love her, are much better for it. We are also forever grateful to those at Mount Ida Mews who cared so dearly for Yvonne.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences can be sent through Yvonnes’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com. A celebration of Yvonne’s life will be held on a future date in Salmon Arm, BC.