Yvonne Norine Sepic, age 80, of Gladstone passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at the Pinecrest Medical Care Facility in Powers.
Yvonne was born on September 11, 1940 in Escanaba, MI the daughter of Clarence and Norine (Kenneally) Closs Sr. She graduated from Holy Name High School and attended Marvel Beauty Academy in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She married Jack Sepic, her high school sweetheart, in 1960 and worked as a beautician for more than 20 years. She operated Yvonne’s Beauty Salon out of her home which she and Jack built together in 1973. Yvonne attended Bay College in her 40’s and graduated with a degree in early childhood education. Through her work in various daycares and as a teacher’s aid in Gladstone, she was fondly known as “Ms. Yvonne” to many area children.
Yvonne was a longtime member of All Saints Catholic Church and was active with Friends of the Library, Reading Buddies, and Red Hats Society. She and Jack built their cabin on the White Fish River together and loved hosting family and friends, always providing great food and memorable times.
Her warm, loving spirit made everyone she knew feel special. Her infectious smile and sense of humor brought laughter and light to a room. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and had a tremendous impact on her entire family. She will be forever carried in the hearts and memories of her loved ones, who referred to her as “Sweet Thing” at her request.
Yvonne is survived by her children, Christine (Andy) Sacksteder of Ohio, Sandra (Jack) Olson of Gladstone and David (Denise) Sepic of North Carolina; grandchildren, Kaiti (Jack) Gary, Jamie (Eric) Mayer, Jake Livermore, Casey Olson, Ruby Olson, Betsy (Evan) Kyle, Lucy Sepic and Nate Sepic; great grandchildren, Jack and Charlie Mayer and Cameron Gary; honorary grandson, Eric Lutz; siblings, Robert (Darlene) Closs and Patricia Demeuse and several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, parents, Clarence and Norine Closs Sr. and siblings, Jeanne Savard, Dorothy LaCrosse, Clarence Closs Jr and John Closs Sr.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 18 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 5:00 PM at All Saints Catholic Church with Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. Yvonne will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery.
Masks and social distancing are required at the funeral home and church.
Maryce Anderson Farrell - Stonington , MI
I am so saddened to learn of my lifetime friend passing away. All the memories come flooding in of our All Saints grade school days (and after school and evening and laughing til we cried and being Girl Scouts through high school, going to D.C. as a group on the train from Gladstone, climbing up the Washington Monument!) Taking the bus to Holy Name, trying to get a ride to a “mixer” to meet the boys in Escanaba along with Barbara Rose. We had babies at the same time (now in their 50’s – whoops one 60? And my son 40’s). I could go on and on.
I saw Yvonne last at the Memory Center in Gladstone when she said “I’ll see you in heaven!!” Enjoy your beautiful world my friend with no more pain or suffering—-til we meet again.
Cheryl Stanek - Gladstone, MI
Heaven just received a ray of sunshine!
Yvonne was the sweetest person I knew. She was so much fun to work with at Cameron School. She got me to join Red Hats and we had so much fun. Lots of laugher.
She will be so missed, but remembered forever.
Cheryl Stanek
Patty Derouin - Escanaba, MI
I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was a wonderful person with a great sense of humor and a joy to work with. She was a loving and caring early childhood teacher and the kids lite up when they saw “Ms. Yvonne” out in public. I feel so fortunate to have known her. What a great loss to your family but you have created a lifetime of memories. May she Rest In Peace with all her loved ones that she has missed so dearly. God Bless .
Tracy Cartwright - Burnsville, MN
Dave and Sandy,
So sorry for your loss of “mum” as I remember Dave would say. Wish We were there to pay our respects to such a wonderful person. Our prayers are with you as you morn. Cherish the memories. Tracy and Tia Cartwright
Julie (Majestic) Brunette - Gladstone, MI
Wonderful lady who always welcomed me to your home when we were in high school. Prayers to all of you. ❤️
Karen Dombrowski - ESCANABA, MI
Sandee – So very sorry for your loss. Your mom was a special lady, I loved hearing your stories of her being called “Sweet Thing” and times spent with the kids…..such great memories to hold close during this difficult time. God’s Blessings to you and your family during this difficult time. Hugs, Karen & Jim Dombrowski
Julie and Steve Aderman - Menominee , Mi
I feel very fortunate to have known Yvonne! If every person was just half the person Yvonne was, the world would be a better place! Our condolences to you all.
Kathy Viau - Rapid River, MI
I know this is way past the time when tributes should be posted, but it has taken me this amount of time to wrap my head around this loss. This woman welcomed my grandson and me into her home and adopted us into her family. We were included in all family festivities and her and Jack took in my grandson Eric and treated him as their own. She and Jack taught him to read, social skills, how to build and paint birdhouses, use hammer and nails, clean and cook fish, politeness, I could go on and on and Eric is what he is today not because of me. So thank you, my friend, for everything and I know you are one of God’s special angels now because you were one here.
Nancy Gorski - Venice, Fl
I tried much earlier, several times, to write a tribute, but the tears wouldn’t stop. I know it was a blessing but made me realize she had really left this world. She was my best friend of all times. So many special memories not only of us but also the 4 of us in later years. They came to Florida & when we came back to visit family we always spent several nights in our hotel, as we called it, downstairs. I will never forget my last visit with her a couple yrs. ago when she looked at me & said, “Nancy, you are always in my heart. “ She will remain with a special place in my heart & we will meet again. I see her everyday in my kitchen with a treasure she gave me. I feel your loss & you certainly know how very blessed you all were, to have her as your mother. I will be up there soon & will miss seeing her. She is at peace & a very special angel looking over us.
Betsy Kyle - Gladstone, MI
Gram, you were truly someone special. From a young age, I have always been so proud to be your granddaughter. I’ll miss our sleepovers, coming over to give you a spa day, your cooking, your beautiful smile, listening to you sing, and your long hugs. I attribute a lot of who I am today to you. You’ve always been my role model and I hope to be half the woman you were. I love and miss you so much, Gram. Give Gramps a hug and kiss for me.