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Yvonne Messick Obituary
Mar. 10, 1944 - Dec. 19, 2011
Resident of Lincoln
Yvonne was born in Voorberg, The Netherlands and then as a young girl immigrated with her family to Montreal, Canada. When Yvonne was 14, the family immigrated one final time to America and resided in San Mateo. Yvonne attended and graduated from San Mateo High School in 1962. During her senior year she entered in the Miss San Mateo County Pageant and was chosen as the very first Miss Foster City. She then went on to receive her AA degree from CSM. In 1964, Yvonne, along with three best friends went to Paris, France and studied at the Sorbonne University for a year. She came home and finished her college education at Northern Arizona Univ. with a BA in education with an emphasis in French.
Yvonne then married her sweetheart, Jay Messick in 1967, and began her teaching career at Bayside Jr. H.S. teaching French to 7th and 8th graders. She taught for 4 years, then took time off to raise three beautiful children. After living in San Carlos for seven years, the Messick family moved to San Ramon and resided there for almost 30 years.
Yvonne went back to teaching in 1985 and spent almost 20 years at Wells Middle School in Dublin, teaching 6th grade core and French. Yvonne had a passion for teaching young people, second only to her complete devotion and love for her family. She won several awards from the Dublin School district including Teacher of the Year on two occasions. But her biggest reward was when she would get positive feedback from her students. She loved them and they loved her right back.
Yvonne is survived by her husband of 44 years, Jay Messick, her two sons, Michael and Scott Messick and her daughter, Jennifer Spears. Also by her three beautiful grandchildren, Logan, Madisyn, and Cole Jay. Yvonne is also survived by her sister, Marina Duyster, her mother, Gerry Duyster and her sister-in-law Barbara Lau.
Yvonne's final resting place will be at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo. The family will hold a private service to remember and honor her beautiful spirit at the Lifemark Center in San Mateo.
Skylawn Memorial Park
Highway 92 at Skyline Boulevard
(650) 349-4411
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Yvonne Messick
Patti Anderson
December 21, 2024
Yvonne , iI cant be 13 years since you've left us! I think about you so often and am always reminded of how special you are and were to so many of us. You'd be pleased to know that I may be fully retired in May when my last coaching candidate graduates. Good thing, because everything takes more time now. I always treasured you and treasured our friendship. I so wanted you to meet Oliver, my only grandson and the love of my life. He's 8, in second grade and he loves school. You would love him, too. Courtney is teaching SPED in an SDC classroom in Oliver's school. She's been a gifted teacher and her husband Troy is such a strong support. I hope your "kids" are doing well. We worried about everything, didn't we? I'm sending tons of love to you wherever you are!
Cody
August 14, 2023
So sad to know she passed.. she was my absolute favorite best teacher.. I had her 6th - 8th grade core and French.. she was definitely the reason I showed up at school in the mornings.. she is on my mind today as I search the web for bonbon candy
Patti Anderson
December 23, 2022
Yvonne, you will never be forgotten! I think of you so often. We have an Amazon "show" in the kitchen that posts past photos and you sometimes show up--giving me pause and a way to stay connected to you. You were always in my favorites--and I always admired you. I know your family misses you so much. I'm sending you a great big hug and I love you,
Love,
Patti
Patti Anderson
December 21, 2021
Two days ago was the anniversary of when you left us. I can't believe how quickly time has passed. I think of you so often, Yvonne...and pictures of you seem to appear when I least expect them. What a wonderful friend you were and I still miss you so much.
scott messick
May 5, 2021
It's been over 8 years since my mom passed away, not a day goes by that I don't miss her like it was yesterday. So many great memories, so blessed to be her son, so proud. I Miss you mom!
Clydette Dias
August 29, 2020
Mrs Messick was my French teacher at Bayside. She was a true inspiration and taught me a lot
Jen Spears
December 18, 2013
Mom it is hard to believe that tomorrow is two years. I miss your voice, I miss your hugs. I would give anything to have you back with us again. Everyday I feel you around me, your presence in my life is so strong. I love you so much and so deeply! My life has gone on but it is a struggle everyday without you here.
October 7, 2013
A psychic told my sister that loved ones who have passed often "buzz" us in our dreams. I've had several dreams of Yvonne and she always looks so pretty and happy. Last week I was in San Diego, walking on the Torrey Pines Reserve toward the beach. I never have a chance to walk and listen to music when I have my dogs, so I opened up my ITunes. The first two songs were 'Remember When" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." I think I "buzzed" Yvonne. She is unforgettable. The photo I posted below is up at Woodminster, not the retirement party. This photo above is from that party!
I love you, Yvonne. I know how much your family misses you.
Patti
October 4, 2013
I was a student of her's when i was 12 and 12 (I'm now 21) in French class at Wells. She was my nicest teacher and taught me a lot. I didn't know she had passed until today :( I still talk about how fun her class was and remember how to sing happy birthday in dutch because of her.
Todd Andrews
June 8, 2013
To the Messick's,
I am so sorry to hear this. Till this day I still talk about the thin pancakes with sugar she used to make us. Tried numerous times to duplicate and can't. My deepest regards to your Dad and to y'all.
Todd
Me and my Wonderful mom. Soooo MANY amazing memories!! Miss you Love you!
Scott Messick
December 18, 2012
Jen Spears
November 17, 2012
As the holidays approach my heart aches for my mom. She was the glue of our family and no one could do holidays like her. A year ago we had such hope as she came home from the hospital and we celebrated Thanksgiving at their house... That was the last time she would hold her grandkids and that is a hurt that will never go away. Mom, I feel you around me every minute of every day. You talk to me in my sleep and I hear you in my thoughts... I love you mom and I'm thankful that I was blessed with such an amazing women that I proudly call my mom!
Woodminster Picnic
Patti Anderson
November 17, 2012
I never go a day without thinking of Yvonne. I took this picture at Kathy's retirement party and I've never deleted her last voice message on my phone so I can listen to her whenever I miss her. I know how much her children and grandchildren and Jay meant to her and I can truly empathize with their loss. She could always put a positive spin on any situation and we had many opportunities to share our respective worries. I miss my sweet friend.
Scott Messick
November 14, 2012
Been almost a year now...and the pain is still sharp...Wrote this to express how some days feel without you around...
Deep and dark,
Like the middle of my heart,
Dark and dazed,
Like all of my days,
Decrepit and vile,
It often stays a while,
Lost in abyss,
Heart burnt to a crisp,
Days gone yet not forgotten,
And the world feels more rotten,
Memories like a sharp stick,
So happy, now I'm sick,
Can't stop the bleeding,
Now happiness feels like I'm cheating,
Mind out of control,
When you took her,
you took my sole…..
Scott Messick
June 11, 2012
It has been 5 months now since my mothers passing. I always knew that I had a one of a kind mother, and best friend in many ways. I can say that the pain of this monumental loss will never truly go away, as I wanted to share my son with her, and watch him fall in love with his grandmother.I cry for myself,and for my son's loss, however I know my mother is still with us, and in a better place. Mom, there always be a hole in my heart, and only your memories can fill it now.
Marian Harrison Novak
February 27, 2012
I knew Yvonne in Paris. She was a wonderful light in the life of everyone who knew her, and I have remembered her since with love.
January 24, 2012
Yvonne Messick was my cousin Gilberta's dtr-in-law. She was the beautiful wife of my cousin Jay. I had not seen Yvonne for many years, but always remember her beauty and the way Jay and everyone else treasured her.
My sympathy to Jay, Marina, Yvonne's children/grandchildren and all those who loved her.
Nancy (McLaren) Mabus, La Crescenta, CA.
Pamela Hallstrom
January 10, 2012
Mrs. Messick taught our daughter Kelsey 6th grade. Mrs. Messick was as awesome and wonderful as a person as well as a fantastic teacher who motivated her students to succeed and be creative in their thought process. She refused to let any student accept failure and she took the extra steps to make sure she did everything she could for her students to excel. My family is very, very sad and upset to learn the news of her all too soon passing away. We are all suffering to lose Yvonne Messick. Pam Robert and Kelsey Hallstrom
Kyle Christie
January 9, 2012
She was my teacher at WMS for core,doing homework was not my strong point,actually school in general wasn't my strong point,but mrs messick did not let me get discouraged or give up,she encouraged me to work through it and work my butt off.Because of you Mrs Messick I learned to give it my all,and I can truly say I Love You and everything you did for me.Thank You for always believing in me and it's because of you I learned to work my hardest. You were an inspiration to us all.
Kevin Cappa
January 8, 2012
Mrs. Messick was a wonderful beautiful teacher and woman. Her ability to teach and inspire was incredible. She was the one who really inspired me to learn and love the French language. Her passion, love for teaching and her love for her students has created a lasting effect on the world. We live in a better place because of what she did in life.
Richard Mitobe
January 7, 2012
Mrs. Messick was my french teacher in 7th and 8th grade, and was always one of my favorite teachers during my time at Wells. I was sad to hear she was retiring after we graduated, and am even further saddened to hear she has passed on now. Alas, she is in a better place, and always in the hearts and minds of those who were fortunate to know her
Kristi Nacino
January 6, 2012
"I absolutely fell in love with Mrs. Messick! She was a wonderful and inspiring teacher, and brought joy and happiness to many of her students. Myself included. Her upbeat personality, coupled with her sheer talent and desire of teaching has made her one of my all time favorite teachers. She was a brilliant woman and anyone who had her can truly tell she cared about each and every one of her students. You will forever be in our hearts, Mrs. Messick!"
Kim Lopez
January 5, 2012
Mrs. Messick was one of my teachers in the WMS. I had my share of time outs with her, but looking back now as an adult, I can only thank her for correcting my mistakes. She was a wonderful teacher, and she had delighted me into learning the language of love. I wish her peace, and to enjoy the company of God. And I also send out my deepest sympathies to her family.
Samantha Cole
December 27, 2011
Mrs. Messick was one of my most memorable teachers all through my years in Dublin schools. She was inspiring, helpful and funny. She introduced me to ABBA, French, and politics, and I'll always remember her.
Harmony Lingen
December 27, 2011
Mrs. Messick was one of my wonderful Wells Middle School teachers who inspired me to join the profession. I'm sad that I never got the chance to tell her that I am now a 5th grade teacher in the very district that she taught in, but I hope she and her family know what an inspiration she was to all of her students and the people around her.
Pat & Tim Johnson
December 27, 2011
It is a privilege to call Yvonne a friend. She was a wonderful wife, mother, teacher, and friend to everyone. Her outlook on life made you love her because she always had a kind word or thought to put things in perspective. She will be missed for the example she set and the woman she was.
Elaine Lingle
December 27, 2011
Yvonne always sought me out in district meetings to tell me the latest on my ex 5th grade students who were now hers. The greatest compliment any of my ex students gave me was that I was like her. She was an incredible person and teacher. Anyone who knew her has special lasting memories.
Howard & Maggie Kushner
December 27, 2011
We had the delightful pleasure of working - and laughing with Yvonne at Montevideo Elementary School. She was a terrific parent, always there to help, and always with a smile on her face. Jay, Mike, Scott and Jen, our deepest sympathies.
mary mara
December 27, 2011
I had the privilege to teach with Yvonne for several years. She was always a lot of fun and enthusiastic. I have talked to several of her former students this week and everyone had wonderful memories of being in her classes. My deepest sympathy to all her family and friends
Lindsay L.
December 27, 2011
I had the great pleasure of being Mrs. Messick's student at Wells Middle School for both 6th grade core and French. She was kind, joyful, and definitely a favorite among students. Her innovative teaching style is one I'll never forget. It was just a week ago I graduated from college, yet I still to this day get a laugh from friends when I use one of Mrs. Messick's "Words of the Day." Mrs. Messick, thank you for impacting my life and the lives of many other students throughout the years.
Jen Spears
December 26, 2011
My mom was my light.. She was the best mom and grandma... She will always be my angel... I love you mom!
Friends at Cofer Wedding
Patti Anderson
December 24, 2011
I met Yvonne in 1998 when Jim Hanson assigned me to evaluate all the best teachers at Wells. We connected immediately and when I left Wells a year and a half later, our friendship stayed intact and deepened. Yvonne, Sue, Kathy and I "played" each month for a time when our husbands, "Those Men" would golf. Then we'd meet for dinner, which usually included a game to play. We attended weddings, showers, retirement parties, and post-golf get-togethers. Yvonne had a special gift of developing strong personal connections with people--students, co-workers, and life-long friends. She was patient (had to be!), joyful (always a smile), compassionate (deeply cared for others) and full of humor. I will miss our talks--never about the weather--but always about what was really happening in our lives, especially our fears about our kids. We could really listen to each other. This world will never be the same without Yvonne in it. I miss her already.
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