Yvonne Deschu Whitaker
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Yvonne Deschu Whitaker

  • April 28, 1937 - August 5, 2012
  • Williamsburg, Virginia
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“Al and Girls, We were so sorry to hear of Kathy's passing. We know she fought the good fight and is safely in God's hands now. We will keep you...Read More » ”
1 of 8 | Posted by: Carol and Leo Chiolero - Friends

“Kim, So sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers. Maria ”
2 of 8 | Posted by: Maria Hull - Troy, NY

“YVONNE AND I HAVE BEEN GOOD FRIENDS FOR LONGER THEN I CAN REMEMBER. WE CORRESPONDED FOR ALL OF THOSE YEARS AND KEPT IN GOOD TOUCH. YVONNE WAS MY...Read More » ”
3 of 8 | Posted by: JOYCE AND JOHN ERNST NEE JOYCE VOORHEES - NJ

“We have been friends with Kathy(yes Kathy to us who knew her then) since we were friends and neighbors in Manassas, VA about 38 years ago and our...Read More » ”
4 of 8 | Posted by: Bryan and Sue Whitcomb - CO

“Al, I'm saddened by your loss. Gordy James ”
5 of 8 | Posted by: Gordy James - Williamsburg, VA

“Yvonne and I roomed for a couple of years in college, that is over half a century ago. I remember her as the neatest person I have ever met. She...Read More » ”
6 of 8 | Posted by: Marisha Rowse - acton, MA

“I feel privileged to have known Yvonne and keep a special place for her in my heart. Ilona Duncan ”
7 of 8 | Posted by: Ilona Duncan - VA - Friend

“I will keep Yvonne in my prayers and in my heart. She came to St. Joseph School when we were in fourth grade and we became friends instantly. She...Read More » ”
8 of 8 | Posted by: Rita Gilrain - Bound Brook, NJ


  • 1955 High School Graduation
  • Yvonne & Nan Deschu c. 1954

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Yvonne D. Whitaker, 75, of Williamsburg, VA died at home in the morning hours of August 5, 2012 while in the care of her husband and three daughters.

Yvonne Deschu Whitaker was born April 28, 1937 in New Brunswick, NJ to John and Carol Deschu. She attended public schools in Bound Brook and later graduated from Goucher College, Towson, MD with a degree in mathematics. She worked at Bell Laboratory, Murray Hill, NJ before marrying her husband, Allen P. Whitaker, and embarking on a life of integrity and adventure. She gave birth to three daughters in three different states, was a successful teacher in elementary, middle and high schools and later gained distinction as an award-winning real estate sales person in both Seattle, WA and Northern Virginia.

In retirement she and her husband moved from Alabama to Williamsburg, VA where they built a home in Governor's Land which they occupied for eighteen years. Yvonne was active in the community as a member of the Ladies' golf association, the Garden Club, Vintage Ladies and St. Bede Catholic Church where she ushered with grace and dignity for more than fifteen years.

The focus of Yvonne's life was her family and she maintained a loving household while moving children and various pets nearly a dozen times. In Williamsburg she enjoyed making her home the center of love for children and grandchildren providing nourishing meals and maintaining family traditions during holiday reunions.

Yvonne enjoyed travel and while residing in Williamsburg she embarked on adventurous trips including travel by dugout canoe and sleeping in hammocks for several nights in order to see Angel Falls in remote Venezuela. She sailed with her daughter in waters off Venezuela and Australia. Later she enjoyed travel with friends to various destinations in Europe, Africa and South America.

Nearly eight years ago Yvonne embarked on her last mission: to gracefully battle ovarian cancer. With the expert and caring help provided by Dr. Bruce Booth and his associates at Virginia Oncology, she was able, with determination, courage, and strength, to endure four major operations and countless sessions of chemotherapy. Her family thanks the oncology nursing staff particularly Olivia, Diane, Gloria and Susan for their compassionate care.

She is survived by her husband of fifty-two years, Allen ; three daughters, Kim (Lee) Harrison, Moseley, VA ; Carol (Gregg) Black, Potomac Falls, VA; Christine (Michael) Wiggins, Heathsville, VA, six grandchildren; a sister, Carol Leiz, Brigantine, NJ; and two brothers, John Deschu, Center Valley, PA and Dennis Deschu, Yardville, NJ.

Visitation will be held at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Road, Williamsburg, VA on Wednesday, August 8 from 6 to 8 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA on Thursday, August 9 at 11 AM with a reception following at Two Rivers Country Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that memorial donations be made to The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (www.ovarian.org). Online condolences may be expressed at www.nelsencares.com.