Carol Ann Yerke
October 22, 1945 - February 22, 2008
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Carol Ann Yerke
October 22, 1945 - February 22, 2008
Obituary
Yerke, Carol ‘Pepper’
It is with great sadness that the family of Pepper Yerke announces her passing after a long battle of lung cancer, on Friday, February 22, 2008.
Pepper will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 40 years, Tom, her children, Lisa and Michael and her two grandchildren, Jonathan and Braden. Also her sister Teresa and two brothers, Paul and Larry.
Pepper was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was an avid world traveler, her passion was her family, friends, cooking and entertaining those she loved. She was gifted with an unending supply of kindness, grace and a wonderful sense of humor. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Mom, thank you, thank God for you, the wind beneath our wings.
A memorial service will be held Saturday March 1st at 2pm, Saint George’s Episcopal Church, 23802 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA. 92653. 949 837-4530.
23 responses to Carol Ann Yerke
Terry & Joan Brodt says:
February 29, 2008
What a true Gem!!! Everytime we were with her, you knew you were in for a good time. She was the leader in setting the agenda and making sure you had a good time. She optimize LIFE.
Our very best to the family. Much love.
John and Susan Von Hagen says:
March 1, 2008
We met Pepper the day she came home from the hospital after Michael was born. We had just moved in across the street and knew no one in California. We immediately became friends with Tom, Pepper, Lisa and Michael. Our children loved Pepper and, in fact, Jenna would try everything she could to “escape” from our house to visit “Peppo”, where she was usually rewarded with a treat of some kind.
The Yerke family became like our family. We spent many evenings and weekends together as well as most holidays. Pepper was a magnent to whom we were all drawn. She planned something almost every weekend for us to experience. These outings included, wine tastings, champagne brunch at Delaney’s, trips to Doheney beach, spontaneous block parties after work, dinners out and of course many fabulous dinners at Tom and Pepper’s house.
We have thought of those days often throughout our lives and remember them as among the best years of our lives. Even after many years, whenever we would have a chance to see or talk to Pepper, it was as if we still lived across the street—and wouldn’t it be wonderful if somehow we could return to those days. We will always remember her zest for life, her wonderful hospitality and her invaluable friendship for the rest of our lives. While we will sorely miss her, we will always keep her alive in our hearts.
God bless you Tom, Lisa, Michael and your families during this difficult time. Please know that we will always love you and consider you part of our family. We are very sorry we cannot be there for you during Pepper’s “Celebration.” But we are certainly thinking of you.
Joyce & Mike Jackson says:
March 1, 2008
Pepper always looked like a miilion bucks. It was always fun to be included in her company. We sat together at Ryan Edwards’ wedding reception…not only did she look fabulous, she rose above her illness and partied the night away! Pepper was a REAL CHAMPION! She has set the bar for ‘courage under fire’ for the rest of us. Love, Joyce
Julie Donahue says:
March 1, 2008
I write today with deep sorrow. I feel I’ve known Pepper forever. We worked countless programs together but we weren’t just “conference friends” The last time I saw Pepper she came to dinner at our home in Fort Lauderdale. She found out that we were having a St. Patrick’s Day Party a few days later. On Sunday we had a special delivery of six bottles of Baileys. How Pepper is that! Unfortunately in our so called busy lives we lost touch. I didn’t know she was so ill. I should have. Ozzie a mutual friend called a couple of weeks ago and said that Pepper would like to hear from me I kept thinking about her but for one stupid excuse or another I didn’t make the call. I will always regret that. I missed hearing her iconic voice one more time I missed hearing her words of wisdom but Pepper is still teaching me. Pick up the phone and call a friend you lost touch with. Make the call I wish I had. Pepper may God hold you in the palm of his hand and may your family find comfort in sharing such a joyous life.
Love and Prayers
Julie Donahue
Julie Donahue says:
March 1, 2008