Tribute

Yvonne Adoline Gibbon (Badesso)

Yvonne Gibbon graduated on June 25, 2026,  and we are greatly saddened by her passing but so very grateful that she was able to go peacefully in her sleep with a minimum of trauma and surrounded by loving family. She has moved on to the next stage of her eternal progression, in a happier and more pleasant place, to unite with family and friends who have gone before her.

A resident of Salt Spring Island for more than 25 years, born March 1^st, 1944, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Yvonne was 82 years old. Her mother, Helen Mitschke Badesso, previously passed on at age 44 and father, Aldo Fioravante Badesso, died at age 94. Aldo’s second wife, Joan Battistoni also previously left this life in 1984. Yvonne was an only child but came from large extended families on both sides, with many children. She leaves behind her husband Dave, and five loving children, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Yvonne had a long battle with health issues, including asthma, chronic lung infection, and kidney failure. First diagnosed with concerns about kidney misfunction in the summer of 2010, she spent time in Royal Jubilee Hospital, then progressed to hospital clinic dialysis three times a week, then to home dialysis therapy for the following fifteen years.

Yvonne was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for most of her life. She served in many leadership and teaching positions, including seminary teacher, Young Women’s President, Relief Society President, FamilySearch Centre director, and choir director. With her husband Dave, she served an 18-month senior couple missionary  assignment supervising a satellite bishop’s storehouse for the Victoria British Columbia Stake.

Widely known for her musical skills, and being an active and talented harpist, she played for weddings and family events on Salt Spring Island, in Port Alberni and elsewhere. For many years she and Dave would travel up and down Vancouver Island, the Interior of BC, Alberta and various parts of the United States, to perform  with one or more of her several Celtic harps. She also taught music to children, youth and adults in elementary school and university classes. She formed and led a community choir in Port Alberni for four years and most recently was the choir director for the LDS Church on Salt Spring Island.

Yvonne was also a talented artist, producing hundreds of paintings in water colour and other media. The family home is filled with her creations and many have been gifted to friends and family.

Graduating from John Oliver High School in Vancouver, Yvonne went on to earn a teaching certificate at the University of British Columbia. Her first elementary school assignments were in Port Alberni, BC; then on the Lower Mainland in Surrey and Delta. She continued her post-secondary education by obtaining a Bachelor of Education degree at UBC and a Master’s degree in Music Education at Simon Fraser University. While living in Tsawwassen, she acquired a Celtic harp and worked hard to become proficient with it. While taking a few classes and seminars, she was largely self-taught and enjoyed playing whenever an opportunity arose.

Yvonne loved nature, especially the birds in her garden, the deer and any other wild animals that came to visit or were just passing through. She talked to her plants and the wildlife and was convinced that they understood and were better for it. Yvonne had an extensive vegetable garden and many fruit trees. She gained her passion for growing fruit, vegetables and flowers from her father, Aldo, her uncle “Spud” Badesso, and her grandparents, Luigi and Ernesta Badesso, who immigrated from Italy and had farms in Surrey and Vancouver for many years.

Her loving husband Dave says “I knew for many years this day would come, but I don’t think I could ever be ready for it. And I’m sitting here, trying to get the courage to write this, knowing I’ll never have the words, knowing they’ll never be enough, but wanting to share something anyway because so many people loved you. You have been, and still are, so loved”.

“You brought joy to this world. You made people smile every day of your life. What a rare and special gift that is. You were born to do it, you always knew who needed extra care – so gentle with children and the many others who met you, particularly those who were not well. “

The family wishes to thank all who have made Yvonne’s life better, her many friends and acquaintances, Dr. Robert Crichton, family physician, Gerry Pringle, office manager, Dr. Dianne Schuldhaus, family physician; Dr. Chris Jones and Dr. Michael Schachter, nephrology specialists; Lena Kobylarz, Sara Faulkner and Staci Lloyd, kidney clinic nurse leaders; Heather Nelson, clinic nutritionist; “Frankie”, clinic nurse; the patient care teams at Royal Jubilee Hospital 4-South Kidney Care and 8-South Palliative Care units and  the many other nurses, technicians and medical staff, that have been so kind and helpful though the many years of her battle with health issues. Also, sincere thanks and appreciation to the associates and staff at Haywards Funeral Services.

Cremation will take place and scattering will be done oceanside at Butler’s Cove, near her father’s former home on Salt Spring Island. At Yvonne’s request, no public or church service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to a community organization focused on advancing kidney health or animal protection.