Yvette Marie Bernatene

Yvette Marie Bernatene age 65, passed away peacefully at her home in Layton, Utah, after a courageous fight against cancer, on Sunday, October 28, 2012. Her strength and determination for the past three years were an inspiration to us all. She was born September 6, 1947 to Marcel and Marguerite Bernatene, in Bakersfield, California. She was very proud of her Basque heritage, and one of her fondest memories was the trip she took to the Basque region of France to visit the birthplaces of her father and grandparents. Yvette graduated in 1965 from Bakersfield High School, attended Bakersfield College, and graduated in 1970 from California State University, Fresno, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Office Administration. Yvette began her career at the Internal Revenue Service Center in Fresno, California as an Employee Development Specialist. In 1981 she transferred to Hill Air Force Base, Utah. Throughout her career she received multiple service awards for her dedication and excellent work ethic. She retired in September 2006 from Hill Air Force Base as a Supervisory Management Analyst in the Aircraft Maintenance organization. During her career, Yvette developed many close, personal relationships that continued into her retirement. She loved spending time with family and friends, attending concerts, RV''ing, and traveling. She was an excellent cook who could prepare the most creative and delicious dishes. Gardening was also a passion for Yvette, and every spring she turned her garden into an explosion of color and beauty. She was an avid golfer and participated in many tournaments. One of her favorite pastimes was walking on the beach looking for treasure a€" that perfect seashell. But most of all she loved to spend time with her close friends and family, especially her niece, Laura, whom she loved dearly. Yvette is preceded in death by her father and mother, Marcel and Marguerite Bernatene, and her sister, Lorraine Paulsen. She is survived by her sister, Michelle (Jeff) Clark, her niece and God Child, Laura Mariana Clark, nephew, Vincent Marcel Oliver, niece, Katherine Marie (Jason) Meyers, Aunt Catherine Ansolabehere and Aunt Alice Ansolabehere; as well as numerous cousins. She is also survived by her long time four-legged companion, Nelly. A "Celebration of Life" will be held Saturday, November 3, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Lindquist''s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah. Friends may visit family from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the celebration. Interment, Hillcrest Cemetery, Bakersfield, California. A special thanks to her close friends who supported her through her spirited battle with cancer. Heaven is rejoicing in receiving such a brave and strong woman. We love and miss you. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society and Humane Society of Utah.