Yvonne Maria Marrimon was born on February 27, 1930, in Port of Spain, Trinidad, West Indies, and entered eternal rest on June 21, 2026, at the age of 96.
Yvonne was the daughter of Nathaniel Louis Gabriel and Robertina Hicks-Gabriel. When she was only eight years old, she experienced the profound loss of her mother. She was subsequently raised by her father and stepmother, and despite this early hardship, developed the strength, resilience, and determination that would sustain her throughout her life.
Yvonne often spoke lovingly of her maternal grandmother, who emigrated from Martinique to Trinidad. She recalled her grandmother wearing colorful head ties, flowing skirts and petticoats, and often going barefoot. These memories remained vivid throughout her life and connected her to the rich heritage of her family.
She also carried with her many lessons learned from her mother. One of her favorite sayings was, “Don't take medicine for nobody's fever.” She often shared a childhood story about failing to greet a neighbor after a disagreement between the adults. When the neighbor reported the slight, young Yvonne was promptly corrected by her mother and learned a lesson about respect and courtesy that she never forgot.
Yvonne grew up on Sackville Street in Port of Spain, Trinidad, where she enjoyed a happy childhood surrounded by family and friends. She attended the Osmond School and later Sacred Heart Girls' R.C. School. During those years, she developed a love of learning that would remain with her for the rest of her life.
An excellent student, Yvonne often recalled one of her father's employers who would ask to see her report card at the end of each school term. Impressed by her outstanding grades, he rewarded her with books. Those gifts sparked a lifelong love of reading. Throughout her life, one could often find Yvonne reading the daily newspaper, completing crossword puzzles, or immersed in a good book.
Yvonne married Cecil Lee, and together they raised three sons, Dennis Lee, Arden Lee, and Michael Lee. Though all three sons predeceased her, Yvonne's love for them remained constant throughout her life.
Yvonne built a successful career in telecommunications, beginning as a telephone operator with New York Telephone. Following the breakup of the Bell System, she continued her career with AT&T, where she worked faithfully until her retirement in 1990. Never one to remain idle, she later worked part-time as a switchboard operator at Brooklyn Hospital.
Eventually, Yvonne retired fully so that she could devote herself to helping raise the sons of her beloved goddaughter, Lorna LaMotte. Keith and Andrew LaMotte became a central part of her life, and she took great pride in helping guide, nurture, and care for them during their formative years.
Yvonne had a lifelong love of entertainment. She fondly recalled attending the cinema in Trinidad as a young girl when five cents could gain admission to see three movies. She especially enjoyed westerns, crime dramas, soap operas, game shows, and the evening news.
Retirement did not diminish Yvonne's desire to learn. She learned to drive and proudly purchased her own car. She eagerly embraced smartphones, tablets, and social media. Whenever she purchased a new device, she would confidently say that she had all day to learn how to use it—and before long, she did.
A woman of deep faith, Yvonne was a devoted member of St. Peter Claver Church in Brooklyn for many years. She served faithfully as a lector and was an active member of both the Sacred Heart Society and the Columbiettes.
Yvonne loved to travel. Her journeys included visits to Ghana, Hawaii, religious pilgrimage sites, cruises, and destinations throughout the United States. Yet no matter where she traveled, Trinidad always remained close to her heart.
Yvonne leaves to cherish her memory her grandchildren: Christopher Lee, Andre Lee, Alicia Johnson, Kevon Lee, Sean Lender, Marissa Lee, Shelly-Ann Jordan, and Aaliyah Thai.
She also leaves her great-grandchildren: Jamel Lee, Ashley Seewell, Shani Lee Johnson, and Shamaya Lee Johnson.
She was further blessed to leave behind her great-great-grandchildren: Isaiah Johnson and Cashe Adams.
She is also survived by her daughters-in-law, Maureen Lee, Kathleen Lee, and Barbara Lee; her beloved goddaughter, Lorna LaMotte; Lorna's sons, Keith LaMotte and Andrew LaMotte; and many extended family members and friends.
Yvonne was blessed with cherished friendships that enriched her life. She leaves behind her dear friends the Godoys, Ms. Nina Ward, the Sylvester Family, and Kenrick Gerold.
Yvonne's life was marked by perseverance, faith, intellectual curiosity, service, and love. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and in the generations she helped shape.
May she rest in eternal peace.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23