Yvonne Marie Laliberty

Yvonne Marie Laliberty passed away peacefully in Lethbridge, Alberta, one month shy of her 80th birthday. She was a warm and guiding light to her family and is profoundly missed.

Born and raised in London, Ontario, and spending most of her adult years in Lethbridge, she left an undeniable mark on the lives and hearts of those to whom she was closest. She led a life of nurture and self-sacrifice: she had deep bonds with her siblings, cared greatly for her nieces and nephews, was endlessly dedicated to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and was exceptionally loyal to her cherished friends.

She is survived by her three beloved children and two children-in-law: Brian Potter, Jane & Rick Williams, and Chris & Erica Laliberty; 10 grandchildren (in order of their introduction to her heart) and respective partners: Trista (Cam), Kyle (Jenn), Christopher (Alysha), Daytona, Charlie, Heather (Rob), Andrea (Nate), Zach, Kiara (Jared), and Ember; and nine great grandchildren: Matty, Slade, Stranton, Alyssa (and the rest of the Davidson family), Declan, Ivy, Theo, Rory, and Hadley; her sister Anna and sister-in-law Clara, and their children and grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents Gerald and Gertrude Brown, her brother Bernie, and brother Jerry, who also was one of her dearest friends.

Yvonne spent many years enjoying her work in the retail industry. She had a keen eye for fashion and was known to add sparkle and a classy finishing touch to her wardrobe. She took great pleasure in helping her granddaughters to pick out the perfect outfit for special occasions, and to shop for gifts for a variety of occasions. She often was complimenting others on their dress of choice. During her many years of full health, she loved to visit in-person, and to connect on Facebook and via regular, lengthy phone conversations with friends and family. In more recent years she continued to maintain a very hopeful spirit, still making plans for outdoor family time this fall. She was warm and open-hearted, wanting updates on all her grandkids and great grandkids during every visit.

Her loved ones rallied around her over the many years of her health struggles and are glad she is now free from suffering. Yvonne’s eventual diagnosis of a little-known disease, amyloidosis, came too late into its progression resulting in few treatment options for her. She gave her family an incredible gift: the opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment for this genetic disease, so her descendants who carry the gene will not have to endure the same decline in health she experienced.

Yvonne’s family would like to extend immeasurable gratitude to Doctors Fine and Hahn, and their teams, of the Amyloidosis Program of Calgary for their sincere dedication, care, and expertise. Thank you also to her dear sister-in-law Clara and dedicated friend Mary - Mom cherished you both so deeply, and you brought her much joy. Your attention to Mom’s needs in the past few years has been deeply appreciated.

A private celebration of life will take place in the springtime, at a favourite location she chose.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Yvonne’s memory be made to the Amyloidosis Program of Calgary (https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/research/amyloidcalgary/donate) with the purpose of assisting in the creation of a national amyloid society.

“I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens,
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance.
I hope you dance.”

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