*May 9, 1953 – January 13, 2026*
Miss me a little, but not for long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that once we shared
Miss me, but let me go.
It’s with heavy hearts that we share the news of Ms. Yvonne May Magdalene Bates’s passing on January 13, 2026, in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She was 72 years old. At this time, there won’t be a formal service.
Yvonne was born May 9, 1953, in Fort William, Ontario and lived her whole life around Thunder Bay. She got married and spent many years as a dedicated stay-at-home mom to her three kids. Then at age 54 she went back to school-doing so well she graduated top of her class and even got a shoutout in the *Chronicle Journal* as the first older graduate in quite some time to achieve that.
After finishing school, Yvonne went back to work and really enjoyed her job cleaning at the airport. Everyone who worked with her thought highly of her and she stayed committed until retiring happily at age 71.
Yvonne was quietly strong with a soft sense of humor that stuck with anyone who knew her well. Her life was simple and family-focused. She loved bowling nights at Galaxy Lanes and treasured family dinners filled with laughter, scary movies, and lively games of UNO that always brought lots of fun. When not home she often spent time at the bingo hall-her second favorite spot-where it wasn’t about winning but just enjoying the game’s mix of luck and strategy.
She is survived by her children Charlotte Bates, Donna Bates, and Donald (Colleen) Bates; proud grandmother to Alina Bates and Lochlain Bates; plus siblings Wayne (Alfca) L’arrivee; Leroy Newman; Pat Reynolds; and Lorraine Bates along with many nieces and nephews.
Yvonne joins in peace with her Mom Lucille Newman; Dad Fred L’arrivee; Brother Doug Newman; cherished granddaughters Hayley Lauren Maunu and Krista Anne Maunu; as well as in-laws Dennis Reynolds, Emily Newman and Ed Bates.
People who knew Yvonne will remember someone who never complained much but always spoke kindly and accepted folks without judgment. Her humor was subtle yet clever-sometimes easy to miss unless you were paying attention-but those lucky enough appreciated it deeply. Later in life she gained independence that helped her open up socially and personally embracing new things joyfully. Her calm presence gave comfort; her quiet strength inspired others; her love warmed everyone around her. She’ll be truly missed by all.
We hope memories of Yvonne bring comfort to those close to her.
The family also wants to thank all the doctors and nurses at Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Care Centre for their kindness, patience’s support during this time. If you wish to donate in memory of Yvonne please consider giving to the Northern Cancer Fund through Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Foundation located at 980 Oliver Rd., Thunder Bay ON P7B 6V4
The arrangements are handled by Simpler Times Cremation Centre at 575 Central Avenue in Thunder Bay.
Please leave your online condolences at everestofthunderbay. com
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