Yvonne S. Heatley

May 25, 1958 - November 22, 2019

Yvonne Heatley, 61, of Hughesville PA passed away on November 22nd as a result of complications from an extended illness. Born in Stamford CT to the late John O’Rourke and Therese Dubay O’Rourke, Yvonne was raised in New Jersey but relocated to rural PA as a young adult. The landscape and beauty of rural PA resonated with her and it was here that she chose to raise her two sons – Collin and Shane. A registered nurse Yvonne spent her professional career caring for and protecting the interests of people in need. From working as a Cardiac Nurse in Lancaster to providing for children as an Executive Director of the Susquehanna Valley CASA organization and working as the school nurse in East Lycoming School district, Yvonne was a fierce advocate for those who had little voice or lacked economic advantage. It was a defining aspect of her being and drove her to embrace volunteerism in the local community. At various times as her sons matured she functioned as President of the local PTA, served on the Board of Directors of the Little League, and coordinated the concession stands for Hughesville baseball and football games. She was a constant figure at Ashkar Elementary School, known and loved by all the students. In the little spare time that she did have Yvonne took great pleasure in her gardens, birding, and caring for her dogs and cats. She is survived by three canines (Bruce, Toby and Ralph) along with two cats (Spidey and Mee-Mow). She is pre-deceased by a virtual menagerie of critters all of whom were fortunate enough to share their lives with her (Butch, Slinky, Charlie, Sparky, Doc, Rudy, Max, Zeke, Chelsea and most beloved of all – Mattie). There are also a number of surviving human relatives. While Yvonne loved rural PA the rocky coast of New England captured her soul. It is there that her ashes will be scattered so that she can join with the eternal cycles of the sea. In the interim friends and family are invited to gather for a memorial celebration at the Watson Inn in Watsontown, PA on Sunday, December 8th from 1 to 4 PM. In lieu of flowers it is suggested that donations be made in Yvonne’s memory to an organization she truly supported – Susquehanna Valley CASA. Susquehannavalleycasa.com/donate. We thank all of you who were a part of her life and contributed to her happiness. May you carry her memory with joy and honor her in your lives by caring for those less fortunate. Arrangements have been entrusted to McCarty~Thomas Funeral Home, Hughesville.