Yvonne Lee Kearney Edwards Smith (70) of Steubenville, Ohio went home to be with the Lord on January 2, 2021 after a prolonged battle with cancer. Yvonne was born August 10, 1950, the daughter of Robert (deceased) and Mavourneen Kearney of Wintersville, Ohio. Yvonne is preceded in death by her father, Robert Kearney, her first husband Anthony Edwards, and her second husband, Richard, (Rick) Smith. She is survived by her daughter, Courtni (Aaron) Strong of Wadsworth, her mother, Mavourneen Kearney, of Wintersville, Ohio, her brother, Larry (Mary) Purkey, of San Antonio, Texas, her sister, Roberta (Charles) Grigsby of Steubenville, along with many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews, all whom she loved dearly and considered her own.
Yvonne graduated from Jefferson Union in 1968. She attended Jefferson Community College where she completed her degree in nursing. She worked in numerous facilities over her career, including Royal Pavilion, Dixons, Schaffer Plaza and lastly at Trinity Health Systems. Yvonne loved people, and God gave her the special ability to touch the lives of many with her smile and compassion, and with her special perception of the little things that matter so much. She cared deeply for her patients, and for her fellow nurses. Yvonne served the fellow nurses a highly active member of her nurses’ union, O.P.E.I.U. local 457. She passionately protected the rights and interests of her beloved colleagues.
Yvonne retired from Trinity Health Systems in 2009, but she continued to nurse and nurture the needs of others as she transitioned from institutional nursing to that of in-home caregiver for her Aunt Helen Bone until her passing, and then for her Aunt Grace Huber, both whom she loved dearly. Yvonne blessed many of her family members and friends with her love, generosity, and her unique ability to laugh over the simplest situations. She found that being able to laugh even in times of stress and sorrow reduced the intensity of the situation to something more manageable. Yvonne was a peacemaker. She attended church at Word of Life Fellowship and Steubenville.
Yvonne bubbled over with God's love. She never met a stranger would open her heart and home to anyone she met. Her love, generosity, and compassion for patients, family, and friends was her gift to the world. Yvonne also loved animals and she rescued and adopted numerous dogs and cats over the years. She often traveled with her canine companions, who were known by name around town. One of those dogs worked alongside Yvonne at Trinity Health Systems as a service dog.
The love Yvonne shared with the world will be missed dearly, but the legacy of love and compassion she left behind remain in the hearts of many. Due to travel restrictions and social distancing mandates, the family has chosen not to conduct any services at present. Instead, they are hoping to hold a celebration of life memorial service at a later date. Yvonne Lee Kearney Edwards Smith will be entombed at Fort Steuben burial Estates. A In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Valley Hospice, 10686 State Route 150 Rayland, Ohio 43943.
09/03/2024
Richard Miller
Mavourneen, Larry, and Roberta;I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I pray that the comfort God grants to you will sustain you through this holiday season.
09/03/2024
Frank Huscroft
Mavoureen, Larry, Roberta, So sorry for your loss. I often think of the times I visited with you Larry to share Mad Magazines and just have a good time. I remember Yvonne being a sweet young lady. Prayers for you all.
09/03/2024
Jim Irvine
I am so sorry to hear the news of Yvonne's passing. I saw her at our 50 year HS reunion and she still had that mischievous nature I remember from school. We shared some fun memories. So sorry for your loss.
09/03/2024
Janie Kern
Worked with this wonderful person had many laughs at work she was always smiling
09/03/2024
H. Lee Kinney
"When the light of one friendship after another makes its way from earth the heaven, we kindle in place thereof to glow of some deathless reality."Mary Baker EddyThe Kearney and Kinney families are and have been for years and years "joined at the hip" and we are all broken hearted at the passing of our Yvonne. For one, I have countless "deathless realities" expressed in Yvonne's life which will always be with me. Love and my sincere sympathy to Yvonne's family. H. Lee Kinney
09/03/2024
Lesa and George Strong
Yvonne was a happy going big hearted lady and wonderful mother-in-law to our son Aaron!She really did love her animals and ours too! She made herself available for a week every summer to come up to Wadsworth and take extra special care of our 2 dachshunds. I know that she will be deeply missed by a lot of people especially her daughter Courtni. We will be here for her. Courtni has a special angel now that is resting without pain watching over her.
09/03/2024
Mike and Julie Krupinski
I worked with Yvonne at Dixon Nursing Home and Trinity long-term care. She was one of the most compassionate and loving people I have ever known. Every one loved her. I am truly sorry for your loss.God bless.
09/03/2024
Debbie Pykosz
We will always remember Yvonne for her kindness and generosity! She was always cheerful and smiling! God gained an angel 😇! I worked with Yvonne for many years! Rest In Peace my friend until we meet again! 🙏🏻🙏🏻😇❤️❤️
09/03/2024
Mary Jeter
Yvonne was s sweet person. She was a good nurse. I worked with her at Trinity. She was very passionate to her co workers and to the patients. She will be deeply missed.
09/03/2024
Deb Arthurs
Courtni Your Mom was always a bright part of my day. She was always so sweet to everyone. I have some of my best memories with Yvonne, Pam, you And Chrissy. We had some awesome times together. My deepest Sympathy to you and your family. She will be dearly missed by many people. Please take care of yourself.
09/03/2024
Naomi Furbee
Larry, So sorry to hear about your sister. She sounds like a wonderful, caring person. Hope you and your family are doing well.
09/03/2024
Jeanne Congdon
Truly very sad to hear of Yvonne's death. She was always very sweet and kind to everyone. Our sincere sympathy goes out to Yvonne's family and friends. RIPJeanne (Steitz) Congdon, Bay View(Sandusky) Ohio
09/03/2024
Susan D'Anniballe Barnett
Sorry to hear about Yvonne's passing May she RIP Thoughts and prayers to her family Worked with Yvonne at the Royal Pavilion many years ago will always remember her smile
09/03/2024
09/03/2024
Peggy Smith
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