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Stephen Abernethy
13 years ago

I was so sad to hear that Yvonne had passed away. She was such an influencial mentor in my early years as a Con. student, and then as a young music teacher. I so remember her booming voice...... 'How are you my boy!!' when we saw each other or talked on the phone. She was always larger than life, and one of those amazing spirits who loved calling a spade a spade. My earliest meeting and memory was in 1987 when I did one of my first practice teaching experiences at KHHS- I remember being terrified on our first meeting as she looked up from her grading, across her glasses and said " Yes..............????" Soon we were having a great time in the classroom with her regular 'streams of consciousness' interjections adding to the fun of the classes. My favorite memory was here calling out 'Mr. Abernethy- this calls for the Fischer Digital Finger!' Yvonne was a visionary, and went onto explain that when you used the FDF and pointed it at something, all technology would work and all PIN numbers could be remembered etc. Come 2011, we are nearly there, and thus every time I have a tech. challenge I think of Yvonne. Since 1987 our contact has been through wonderful lunches and coffees when I am back in Australia. Our chats have been filled with wonderful laughs and stroytelling including her reminiscences about Travels with Edward, and her joy in seeing her daughters lives, and the growth of her grand daughter. Yvonne always had wonderful storys and was always challenging me with her incredible wit and intellect. I will truly miss her presense in my life, and will caryy her memory into every music classroom I enter. We all meet people on our life journey that 'we want to be like when we grow up'- I was fortunate to meet and spend time with Yvonne and continue to aspire to so many of the life lesson she offered me. Sincerely Stephen Abernethy Taipei American School abernethys@tas.edu.tw

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Sophie Hill
13 years ago

As my mother's best friend and thus a friend of mine she will be greatly missed as a link to my own deceased mother, but also as a friend in her own right. I will carry fond memories of singing around the piano, having her accompany my cello, and later, once she had to take over culinary duties from her foodie husband, even discussing recipes. Lazy afternoons in the Mosman courtyard with scones and coffee or gathering basil for the pesto from her small,but glorious garden. There will be tears, but also laughs when I think of my own son's first words on arriving at her house as a toddler for our annual trip home. With a perfect Aussie accent he would demand "kike" of the chocolate sort! This used to cause Yvonne, with her impeccable mastery of the English language, to break out into peals of laughter. And what a laugh it was! Coming home will now be difficult, knowing that she will not be there. My love is with those left, but especially to my childhood friend Danielle. Kisses Sophie

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