Dr. Yvonne French passed peacefully at 8:22 a.m. on November 10, 2017, in Wilton, CT, from complications of Alzheimer's disease, at age 83. She was born in Cincinnati, OH, and grew up in Covington, KY, daughter of Ann and stepdaughter of Ben Lairson. A graduate of Holmes High School, Yvonne worked as a stenographer in Washington, DC. She married Wilbur (Bill) French in 1954. They lived in Champaign, IL, Riverside, CA, and Mainz, Germany, before settling in Baton Rouge, LA, in 1964. Yvonne earned a Ph.D. in Science Education from Louisiana State University in 1972 and taught Chemistry, Biology and Physics at Episcopal High School from 1972-1991, retiring as Science Department Chairman. She was named Outstanding Chemistry Teacher of the Year by the American Chemical Society in 1989. In 1991, after her husband's passing, Yvonne moved to Bahrain as head of the Science Department at the U.S. Department of Defense Dependent School. She returned to the U.S. in 1997, living in Charlottesville, VA, Seagrove Beach, FL and Wilton, CT. Yvonne is survived by son Brent French of Charlottesville, VA, daughter Angelica French Carey of South Salem, NY, stepdaughter Jacque French Baker of Dallas, TX, siblings Jim Henry of Clearwater, FL, Linda McInnes of Queensland, Australia, and David Lairson of Houston, TX, and four beloved grandchildren: Lindsey, Alexander, Liliana and Camille. She was predeceased by husband Wilbur French of Baton Rouge, LA, son James French of Ocala, FL, granddaughter Whitney French of Charlottesville, VA, sister Johanna Ruhl of Charlotte, NC, and brother Paul Lairson of San Francisco, CA. Yvonne is remembered for her love of family, adventurous spirit and positivity. She met all challenges with intelligence, determination and a sense of humor. Friends and family will gather on Saturday, November 18, 2017 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield, CT. A prayer service will take place at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be private. The family is grateful to the staff at The Greens at Cannondale in Wilton, CT. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Cure Alzheimer's Fund: https://curealz.org/in-memory/yvonne-french.
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4 Entries
What a wonderful woman and talented teacher Yvonne was! She was such a kind and supportive colleague to me at Episcopal. It was a privilege to work with her.
Lucy Smith
November 14, 2017
So sad to hear of Yvonne's death. I enjoyed our time as faculty colleagues at Episcopal. Angel, you and your family are in my prayers.
Vicki McGuire
November 13, 2017
Angel & the French family, sending love and prayers during your time of loss.
Jodi Roberts Gianfala
November 13, 2017
I fondly remember Dr. French as a great teacher at EHS. What an amazing life she lead. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Barbin Caldwell Graham
November 13, 2017
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