Yvonne (Maffey) Sears

Yvonne Sears passed peacefully on June 25, 2020 at 6:15pm at  Elderwood of Uihlein in Lake Placid, NY where she had been a resident in extended care. Yvonne is survived by her husband of 70 years, Douglas Sears Sr., her daughter Sharon Stafford (and husband Ronnie Stafford), son Doug Sears Jr., brothers George Maffey and Richard Maffey, grandchildren Larry Deso, Andy Deso and Nathan Stafford. She is also survived by niece Elizabeth Maffey and nephew George Maffey III. A longtime friend of the family, Eddie Boyle and his family, are part of the legacy of Yvonne and close friends; very much family to her.

Yvonne was born in Port Henry, NY on June 22, 1930 during the Great Depression. She married the love of her life, Douglas Sears Sr. in 1950 after he had returned from Military service in World War II. A pivotal moment, her honeymoon, offered a trip to Boston, MA on her wedding day on February 14, in the midst of a major snow storm when most roads were closed. Yvonne and Doug made it there and back. The marriage lasted 70 years. After having their children, Yvonne and Doug moved to Westport, NY where they settled into their life for many years. While raising her children, Yvonne acted as not only a wonderful mother but also as a working parent. Yvonne started her working career in the Westport Central School as a dishwasher, continued as a line food server, and then moved to the head Kitchen Manager and the Non-Teacher’s Union President. After her many years of service and retirement from Westport Central School, she continued to work part-time as a teacher’s aide in the younger children’s grades. During the summer months, while her husband Doug Sr. worked at Camp Dudley, Yvonne worked in the Camp Dudley kitchen; once again, rising from a food preparation cook to running and managing the entire kitchen operation. A common thing in Yvonne’s life was her nurturing ways: kindness and love of children. Over the years, Yvonne fed and comforted thousands of children. All children were the same to Yvonne-no matter their socio-economic background, race, religion or behavior-they were all good kids-all great kids with promising futures. Yvonne’s approach to children, adults, animals and all God’s creatures was the same. Yvonne always gave as much as she possibly could to make life better for her family and all living creatures.

The family requests, in light of the current climate, that people who wish to pay their respects, that they simply think of a good thought of Yvonne and how she brought sunshine and happiness into their life. The family plans to have a memorial service when possible. If you wish to donate in honor of Yvonne and her life, the family requests that you make a charitable contribution in her name to the North Country SPCA at: http://www.ncspca.org/help/donations.