Yvonne Lucille (Bettez) Skamarycz

GARDNER - Yvonne Lucille (Bettez) Skamarycz, 85, of Gardner, (Born March 25, 1939), died Sunday October 13, 2024 at Boston Medical Center, after a period of declining health.

She was the daughter of the late Romeo and Regina (Canty) Bettez.  Her husband of 33 years, Richard “Dick” Skamarycz, died in March.  She leaves a son, Joseph Gibbs and his husband Burl Hutchins of Bethel, Maine, and two daughters, Lisa Brooks and her husband Roger Brooks, and Wendy McCullough, both of Gardner, MA, a stepdaughter Tina Scanlan and Stepson Larry Skamarycz; a sister, Theresa Zbikowski of Orange, MA; five grandchildren, Chad and Justin Adams, Ashley Pavlosky, Lance and Jasmine McCullough; step-grandchildren Ryan Brooks, Crystal and husband Tom Wylie; six great-grandchildren,  Samantha Pavlosky, Isaac Adams, Derek Adams, Kaeden, Peyton and MaKenna McCullough, and many nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by four brothers, Romeo, Raymond, Gerard and Edward Bettez, and two sisters, Antoinette Silva and Olive Prentiss.

Yvonne worked as a CNA at Wachusett Manor in Gardner for 45 years, and previously worked at Woolworths. Her first love was spending time with her family, she also enjoyed camping and time with her friends, singing and going to the ocean, quilting and painting. She was a long-time member of the Eagles 747 and The West End Beagle Club, both of Gardner, MA.

Her service will be at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen Street, Winchendon, MA on Friday, October 25, 2024, at 2:00 pm, followed by a celebration of life at the Eagles 747, 71 City Hall Ave in Gardner. All are welcome to attend both.  Yvonne will be laid to rest alongside her husband, who was a U.S. Marine veteran.  Arrangements are in the care of Rice Funeral Home, 300 Park Ave, Worcester, MA.  Memorial Contributions can be made to the Fraternal Order of the Eagles 747, 71 City Hall Ave, Gardner MA 01440.