Lillian Marie Foret Yadon

Former Wasilla resident Lillian Marie Foret Yadon, 84, died following a brief illness Jan. 8, 2011, at Alderwood Park Convalescent Center in Bellingham, Wash., surrounded by her loving family.

Lillian was born in Lockport, La., on Jan. 29, 1926, to Norbert Joseph and Elodie Marie (Toups) Foret. Lillian graduated from Holy Savior High School in Lockport on May 26, 1921. She was baptized Feb. 26, 1926, at St. Mary Pamela Church in Raceland, La. She was later re-baptized at the Free Methodist Church of Sedro-Woolley, Wash., along with her granddaughters Bethany and Tracey, on March 10, 1996.

Lillian married Fermin Leo Yadon on Feb. 6, 1946, in Lockport. The couple lived in California, Oregon and Wasilla for many years, before moving to Oak Harbor, Wash., in 1991.

Preceding her in death was her son, Joe Yadon. She is survived by her husband, Fermin Leo Yadon, of Oak Harbor; children, Fermin John “Skip” Yadon (Shirley) of Oak Harbor, Dennis Reed Yadon (Gail) of Mt. Vernon, Wash., Evelyn Marie Hill (Larry) of Joyce, Wash., Robert Leo Yadon (Janet) of Cedaredge, Colo., Mary Ellen Newcomb (Randy) of Wasilla, Bonnie Jo Yadon of Wasilla and Samuel Lee Yadon (Wendy) of Port Angeles, Wash.; 22 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Lillian was affectionately known as “Nanny” to her family, which made the following tribute in regards to their love for her: “Every family member cherishes Nanny’s unconditional love. Her greatest loves were her husband and children. With loving hands, she crocheted beautiful heirloom keepsakes. She most enjoyed cooking for her family and friends. She loved everyone she met. We know she is with our wonderful Lord. And we praise him for our time here with her. ‘Her children rise up and call her blessed.’ (Proverbs 31:28 – RSVB).”

A memorial service is at 2 p.m., Jan. 14, at Family Bible Church, 2760 N. Heller Road, Oak Harbor, Wash., with Pastor Ron Lawler officiating. Private interment will take place in Wasilla Borealis Cemetery at a later date. The family requests no flowers please. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the American Diabetes Association, 1730 Minor Ave., Suite 920, Seattle, WA 98109, or to the Pregnancy Care Clinic, 670 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor, WA 98277.

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at whidbeymemorial.com. Arrangements are with the assistance of Whidbey Memorial Funeral and Cremation Service Inc. in Oak Harbor.