Damien Bledsoe
Yvette came to mind today, and when I searched for her online, I was heartbroken to learn of her passing.
I had the privilege of being her neighbor at Camden Bay for several years, and she was truly one of the kindest and funniest people I’ve ever known. She adored her cats, and I’ll never forget how devoted she was to the neighborhood strays—who quickly came to rely on her care and thrived because of it. I cherished our walks together as we fed them at different spots in the community. I also remember how deeply saddened she was when one of her favorite strays passed near her apartment, and I was honored to help her lay him to rest on the hill at Camden Bay. Yvette had such a big heart. My dogs loved her too and were always thrilled to see her in the hallway.
I still remember when she was first diagnosed with cancer and how relieved I was that it was caught early and she was able to have surgery. I recall how she treated herself to a new car at that time—a symbol of her resilience and determination to keep moving forward. It is painful to know she was taken too soon, though it comes as no surprise that her strength and spirit carried her through the fight for 11 years.
To the Ferlita family, please accept my deepest condolences. Yvette often spoke with love and gratitude about her close relationship with you. For those of us who were fortunate enough to know her, having her in our lives was truly a blessing.
Thank you, Yvette—you are missed.
With sympathy,
Damien Bledsoe (Strong)
