Yvonne Sill. 72, of Kingston

Teacher, friend, beautiful soul, Yvonne Sill (nee O’Connor) died Friday, Sept. 14, 2018, from a sudden illness.

She passed peacefully at home, surrounded by friends and family; she was 72.

Growing up in her native Wallkill, where she graduated from Wallkill High School in 1964, Yvonne was involved in all aspects of school life: student government, sports, community service — she is remembered fondly by her friends of that time as being at the center of everything, and welcoming to everyone.

After graduating from SUNY Oneonta in 1968, Yvonne devoted her life to the children and families of Kingston. As a second- and first-grade teacher at George Washington Elementary School, Yvonne taught generations of Kingstonians to read, to tie their shoes, and to be decent to one another. Along with her colleagues, Yvonne’s commitment to the first-grade play allowed thousands of children to shine, and their families to beam. They even named the stage after her.

Yvonne was active in the Coach House Players, where she took many star turns, and she was a mainstay of the local running community. In her role as head coach of the Kingston High School girls’ varsity cross country team, she helped a number of girls earn college scholarships. As a weekend raceday volunteer, she could be counted on, stopwatch in hand, to cheer as loudly for those who struggled as for those who won.

Proudly Irish, she was caring, thoughtful and never judgmental. She accepted people’s flaws, and she forgave their mistakes. Her capacity for giving — to her family, to her friends, and to her community — was limitless.

She was the daughter of the late Neil O’Connor and Yvonne Walsh O’Connor and the wife of the late William C. Sill. Her sister, Audrey, is also passed.

She is survived by her brother, John; sister, Eileen; son, Michael and his wife Karina; daughter, Catherine Ladd and her husband David; six grandchildren, Alexander, Valeria, Jayson, Michael, Eliza, and Mia; and many wonderful friends. Our hearts are broken.

Yvonne will be reposing at Simpson-Gaus Funeral Home on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, from 4 to 8 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church.

Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Memorial donations in the form of a children’s book may be made in her name to the Kingston Homeless Shelter, Family Inn at 38 Thomas St., Kingston, N.Y. 12401.

Online condolences may be left for the family of Yvonne by visiting www. simpsongaus.com.