Obituary of Yvonne Isabel Lambert

With dignity, and surrounded by her loved ones, Yvonne Lambert passed away in the early hours of April 29, 2020. Born on July 29, 1939, she was the daughter of Edna (nee Doan) and Peter Wright, sister to Doris (Ross Smith, both deceased) and Vernon (deceased). She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Bruce Lambert, her children Alecia (Alan), Martha (Brad), Tim (Dorothy), and her grandchildren Nathaniel, Andrew, Valerie, Paige, and Tad, and many other nieces and nephews.

Taking after her aunt, Dorothy Doan (deceased), and her sister, who both served in the Second World War, Yvonne dedicated her life to the service of others. Led by her vision of what was right, Yvonne was elected President of Strathroy United Church’s Young People’s Union (YPU), while in high school at Strathroy District Collegiate Institute (SDCI). Upon Yvonne’s SDCI graduation, she enrolled in Victoria Hospital’s School of Nursing, and it was during these years that she met her eventual husband Bruce, in a youth group at Dundas St. Centre United Church. After graduating from Victoria Hospital’s School of Nursing in 1960, where she began her career working in Obstetrics, Yvonne went on to work at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital (SMGH). At SMGH she worked as a nurse in the operating room, as well as a supervisor in the nursing office for nearly 20 years. In 1981, Yvonne retired from SMGH and assisted in (or, should we say, essentially ran) her husband’s independent flower shop, Bruce Lambert Flowers, until they sold the business in 1995.

In line with her innate impulse to help others, Yvonne dedicated her retirement to taking care of her loved ones: driving Nathaniel to vocal lessons, proof-reading Martha’s report cards, or taking her aunt, Dorothy Doan (or, “Aunt Dot”), to hospital appointments. Within the Strathroy and London community, Yvonne was a member and chair of the SMGH Foundation, the SMGH Board of Governors, as well as a canvasser and driver for the Cancer Society, the Salvation Army, and the Victoria Order of Nurses (VON) and delivered Meals on Wheels for over 30 years. In addition, Yvonne was an active member of the congregation and council of governance at the Strathroy United Church. In the few moments of leisure she allowed herself, Yvonne would vacation with her friends from SDCI (who cheekily dubbed themselves “the divas”); enjoy London’s Grand Theatre’s annual season of entertainment; or, what was perhaps her most cherished pastime, serenely watch the sun set over Lake Huron at her family’s cottage in Lambton Shores, Ontario. Yvonne’s family hopes that she’s there now—with her Aunt Dot, of course.

At a later date, friends and extended family will be invited to gather and celebrate Yvonne’s life of service, love, laughter and tenacity at Strathroy United Church. Announcements will be made through Denning of Strathroy (519-245-1023). Yvonne’s interment will be at Campbell Cemetery in Komoka. Donations can be made to the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation, the MSA Coalition, Parkinson Canada, or another charity of your choice. Please share your memories of Yvonne at www.strathroyfuneralhome.com.

“We love you Yvonne, Mom, Nana.”