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It is with great sadness the family of Yvonne Melanson, 85, announces her peaceful passing in Branford on Sept. 30. Yvonne was born Aug. 21, 1936, in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada to Ernest and Helene (Gallant) LeBlanc.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 56 years, Rheal Melanson. They shared a daughter, Monique Armstrong, and grandchildren Anthony Nardi, Jade Nardi, and Natalia Nardi. From previous marriage, Yvonne is survived by children Tamara Beaman, Sherry Kuryk, and Danny Beaman and grandchildren Ryan Stone, Mikkel Stone, Brent Stone, Kimberlyn Murphy, Kurtis Kuryk, Kelsey Grimes, Cosette Beaman, and Fantine Beaman. Also, she is survived by her brother Ernest LeBlanc of Shediac New Brunswick and sister Marguerite Gabriel of Edmonton Alberta. Yvonne was predeceased by brothers Leo and George and sister Leona.

Yvonne had the warmest and most caring heart. She claimed that if she ever had the privilege to win the lottery, she would donate every dollar to those who are in need. Her kind heart drove her to visit Afghanistan in 2002 and donate her own money to disadvantaged women. Not only was she kind, but she was notorious for her storytelling. Yvonne could tell a story for hours and would capture the attention of everyone in the room. Those who had the privilege of knowing her heard one of the following stories: winning contests by performing “the twist”; her magical skin-care routine of using lipstick for her lips, cheeks, and eyelids; Bob Marley being alive and well visiting Jamaica multiple times in her 80s with her daughter Monique; or how you could “get any man to like you if you just bat your eyelashes.” Regardless of the story, each time you would listen intensely with a huge smile.

When Yvonne was not busy showing kindness and telling stories, she lived her life with fire, humor, and bravery. From riding a bike 650 miles with her daughter to Canada, to her infamous “noooo” with her smirk and subtle shake of the head, Yvonne always made sure people knew what she was capable of. Yvonne cast a beautiful and glorious light in everyone’s life, and although it will be missed beyond measure, it will never be forgotten.

A celebration of Yvonne’s life will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Essex Corinthian Yacht Club, 9 Novelty Lane, Essex. To share a memory of Yvonne or send a condolence to her family, please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home in Centerbrook.