Yvonne Ellen Hopper Yetsko

(Bonnie) Yetsko, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2016, on Bainbridge Island, WA. She was born in Pasadena, CA, on July 13, 1922, to Martha Yegge and Joseph A. Hopper. Bonnie graduated from St. Phillips School in 1936, and St. Andrews High School for Girls in Pasadena, in 1940.At an early age, Bonnie had a strong interest in clothing and costume design, and became an accomplished seamstress with remarkable tailoring skills, who enjoyed creating the latest couture from Paris. Strikingly attractive, she worked as a fashion model for notable Los Angeles clothiers, and always took pride in being extremely stylish in her own dress and hair fashions. She loved a good party, and was an accomplished musician and dancer, known to wear out her shoes in one night during the big band and jitterbug era! On New Year's Eve, 1942, handsome John M. Yetsko, USMC, knocked her off her dancing feet; New Year's Day they attended the Rose Bowl Game together. Upon his return in 1946 as a highly decorated WW II veteran, they began a long, rich life of 60 amazing years together. Bonnie loved the travel and adventure of being a military wife and later, a college administrator's wife, when John changed careers; she took full advantage of exploring new places and cultures.In 1954, she was amongst a handful of civilians, who worked to help set up banking in post-war Japan, initially due to her great proficiency with an abacus, and Japan's limited electricity. Over the next 20 years, she applied her ability for exceptional detail in her work for various financial institutions.(Please Click Here to view a slide show of photos from Yvonne Ellen Hopper Yetsko's life)Bonnie was a member of Sweet Adeline's, the award-winning women's international a capella show chorus. She enjoyed performing, traveling, and helping design the group's lavish costumes. She annually volunteered her time as talent coach to contestants performing in the Miss America, Miss Alaska contests, and as a Girl Scout Troop leader, who received recognition for teaching music, dressmaking, and costume design.Bonnie will always be remembered for her fierce love, and loyal devotion to her family. Her support and commitment never wavered, and will forever inspire us. She made great demands of herself and those around her to insure each generation stayed connected to one another; she never forgot a birthday, an anniversary, or a special event. Strong in her beliefs and her opinions, she was known for liberally dispensing life advice to those she knew, always sprinkled with her favorite homilies.Her faith was a presence in her life she continued in retirement on Bainbridge Island at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church, where she volunteered to help prepare young children for their First Communions.She was a member of the Bainbridge Island Senior Center, Bainbridge Arts and Crafts, and Bainbridge Island Volunteer Caregivers. A knowledgeable gardener and herbalist, individualized herbs and vitamins were her familiar, favorite gifts.The family is particularly grateful to the many wonderful people who offered their friendship, kindness, and help to Bonnie, especially over the years she lived alone in Winslow, without her beloved Johnny. We extend our special thanks and appreciation to the many care givers, volunteers, doctors, and nurses who attended her during her illness.She leaves her daughter Deborah Y. (Debbie) Vancil, (Richard P.); her son Gregory J. Yetsko; grandson Ryan P. Vancil (Debbi A. Lester); grandson Joshua P. Vancil; grandson Daniel J. Yetsko; granddaughter Emily S. Yetsko; great-grandchildren N. Corbin Lester; Madeline K. Reeves; great-great grandson Cayden P.Wilson; nephew Dr. Gary R. Hopper (Mary N.); niece Marcia A. Hopper Mantano (Richard A.); nephews Thomas B. Hopper (Amanda G.); Edward J. Hopper; grand-nieces, grand-nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her brother Joseph F. Hopper.A Memorial Mass will be held on Wednesday, April 6, @ 6:00 P.M. at St. Cecilia's Catholic Church on Bainbridge Island. There will be a reception immediately following service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Bonnie's name to Island Volunteer caregivers: info@ivcbainbridge.org. Please sign Bonnie's online guest book for the family. Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home.