Yvonne Berte de Coutouly Pate, 81

Yvonne Berte de Coutouly Pate passed away surrounded by loved ones at Kootenai Health on Jan. 21, 2015.

Yvonne was born April 18, 1933, in Madison, N.J., to Charles and Caroline de Coutouly.

Yvonne went to Southern Seminary School for Young Women in Virginia. After college she became a stewardess for American Airlines, a job she loved and had many fun stories to tell about her travels!

In 1958 she married Terry Erskine and they had two children, Annette and Jeff. Yvonne was very involved in her children's activities, such as Girls Scouts, Cub Scouts, Little League and Ballet. She would take a VW Beetle filled with kids to Laguna Beach almost every day in the summer.

After her divorce, Yvonne, Annette and Jeff moved to San Diego. Things were not easy for her as a single mom, but Yvonne was scrappy and provided a good life for her children.

In 1989, Yvonne married Robert Pate. They lived many places during their 25-year marriage, settling in Hayden in 2007.

Yvonne loved to shop, go to lunch and explore in her little red Jeep. Her beautiful smile lit up the room and everyone who met her loved her. Yvonne's generous spirit touched many lives especially her children and grandchildren.

Yvonne is survived by her husband, Robert Pate; her daughter, Annette Davis and son-in-law Dan; son Jeff Erskine and daughter-in-law Lisa; grandchildren Zach (Erin) and Chase Davis, Monique (Mike) Ruiz and Megan Erskine.

Yvonne was blessed with a great-grandchild, Colton Ruiz.

A private Celebration of Life will be held today, Jan. 24, 2015, at Avondale Golf Club.

A special thanks to Kootenai Health Critical Care nurse Chelsea for her care and kindness toward Yvonne and the family.

Memorial contributions may be sent in her name to American Childhood Cancer Organization of the Inland Northwest, her favorite charity.

Precious mom, thank you for all you are to us, we will carry on your legacy of kindness, generosity and love. Rest in peace.