Yvette Patricia Heyland Fortescue Quirk

Yvette Patricia Heyland Fortescue Quirk departed this life peacefully while holding the hand of her dear husband, John. Yvette was born on February 19, 1928, in Portrush, Northern Ireland. As a young girl, her family moved to England. England would become her beloved home. Her life was like that from the history books. She had a live-in Nanny, Molly, who was just 17 when she began caring for Yvette at an early age until she turned 13. At this time, Yvette would attend Boarding School. Her parents felt this was necessary for her to be safe during World War II. She often shared stories of walking in the village carrying her gas mask, using a ration card, being given a small portion of butter to last all week while at boarding school, and walking “crocodile style” to church each week. Upon completing school, Yvette would work in a nursery school and later as a salesclerk at Cresta Silks in London. She spent time with her mother and stepfather in Singapore before returning to London. While living in her flat, she and her roommate hosted a party. Her older sister brought a young American Air Force officer, who was staying in a room at her home, to the party. Little did she know this would be the love of her life. Yvette and John had a whirlwind courtship and were married six months later on June 11, 1954. Shortly after they were married, they moved to John’s hometown of Eunice, Louisiana. John’s career as a Certified Public Accountant would cause them to move several times throughout their marriage from Eunice to Houston, Abilene, Palatine, Illinois, and finally back to Spring, Texas in 1974. During this time, she devoted herself to raising three daughters. Yvette always put her family first. Her love for family was on full display when her grandchildren were born and became her new focal point. What a wonderful Granny she was, loving, kind, and frequently making use of her British wits. She always sent cards, attended dance recitals, sat in many bleachers watching sporting events, and attended every celebration until she was no longer physically able. If not supporting her family, Yvette could be found in the garden. Gardening was her therapy, and she always had the most beautiful gardens kept in immaculate condition. In addition to gardening, she loved to go antiquing with her dear friend Betty Wolfe and enjoyed reading. Yvette loved to dance and thoroughly enjoyed her time as a member of the Transatlantic Brides and Parents Association as a war bride herself. As a member of this Association, she found camaraderie, friendship, and support with other war brides as they reminisced about “home” and found comfort in bringing their traditions to the States. It would be remiss if we didn’t share her ancestry relationship with Cecil Frances Alexander. Known for many hymns and poems but most notably “All Things Bright and Beautiful.” Mrs. Alexander was Yvette’s great-great Aunt who was married to her great-great uncle Sir William Alexander the archbishop and primate of all Ireland. Yvette was predeceased by her father, Lt. Colonel Arthur Fortescue and his wife Elizabeth, her mother Cecil Healy and husband Group Captain Timothy Healy, and sisters Anne Bell and Barbara Barton. She is survived by her husband John of nearly 69 years, daughters Caroline Barminski (Robert), Rebecca Godwin (Randy), and Jennifer Doremus (Mark), seven grandchildren Amanda De Los Santos, Lauren McEvoy, Nicholas Godwin, Bobby Barminski, Alexandria Hakes, Evan Doremus, Ashlyn Doremus, six great-grandchildren Violet, Dorothy, Oliver, Yvette, Petra, Christopher and Baby Boy Godwin due in April. In addition to many nieces, nephews, and dear cousins.

Yvette Patricia Heyland Fortescue Quirk

February 19, 1928 - January 19, 2023