Yvonne S. Bade
November 28, 1922 - March 8, 2022
Obituary
1922 – 2022
Our dear mother, Yvonne Bade, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2022. Yvonne grew up in the south of France and emigrated to the United States in 1950. She married Clyde Bade, a minister from Seattle, in 1954. In 1961, they moved to Tokyo, Japan, where they served as missionaries for thirty years. In Japan, they raised three children, established two local churches, and taught English and French. Returning to Seattle in the 1990s, Yvonne began teaching at Alliance Française de Seattle, where she worked until she finally retired at age 95. In 2013, the French government honored her with the Ordre des Palmes académique for her commitment to spreading French language and culture around the world.
Yvonne was an explorer. She changed continents, cultures, and languages at a time when many women didn’t leave their neighborhood – all while managing to marry, have children and keep her family together with humor, intelligence, grace, and, above all, love. Yvonne was kind, fair, and deeply committed to family and friends. She was able to rise above hardships with an inner calm, peace, and faith, as well as a deep empathy for others.
Yvonne is survived by her children, Michael, Suzanne and Jonelle, and six grandchildren. A private memorial will be held in the spring. Those who wish may send donations to Alliance Française de Seattle. https://www.afseattle.org/join/donations/
Such an amazing woman. Full of adventure, determination and love. She is, as I have always felt, one of my heroes. My only regret is that I never got to meet her in person. Much love to her family now as they find peace in knowing she lived a long a beautiful life, and now goes to rest.
Donna Ashley
Aunt Yvonne is my role model. She was the strongest person I have ever known. She was a beautiful lady with a beautiful sole. She faced significant adversity and rose above it. She never expressed any bitterness or anger. I will miss her and love her always.