TRIBUTE TO YVONNE PRESTWICH


Two weeks ago we lost a very special lady from the Republican Party, as well as, the town of Enfield, Yvonne Prestwich.

Yvonne touched so many lives in so many ways as we saw from her wake and funeral just a week and a half ago. As the crowds poured in, you could hear countless stories of the impact Yvonne had on their lives.

I want to continue that tribute with thoughts and stories from her friends and partners from the Republican Town Committee in Enfield.

From State Senator John Kissel:

I have many fond memories of Yvonne...here are two. First, Yvonne was a classy lady, but in a down to earth way, lacking any pretense. She was quite the photographer. At the Lincoln Day Dinner at the Windsor Locks K of C in 2004 then Lt. Gov. M. Jodi Rell was our guest speaker. Cindy and I had brought our new baby boy, Tristan, then about 3 months old. After Jodi spoke and greeted everyone she left the building, but surprisingly came back in a minute later. "I just have to see that baby again!" Jodi said. Cindy was at a table near the front doors while at the time I was up near the podium. As Jodi was with Cindy and Tristan, Yvonne popped up and took a photo, which I received in the mail a few weeks later. I never knew all this took place until we received the photo...then Cindy told me the story. That was Yvonne! The other story is when I was in an early successful campaign and a group of us were going door to door. With dusk approaching the group broke up but Yvonne asked me if I wanted to walk one more neighborhood with her. I said sure. She then took me around her neighborhood, personally introducing me to her neighbors. So many folks said..."You must be a good man if Yvonne says so...you've got my vote!" That was Yvonne...I'll miss her.

From Councilman Scott Kaupin:

Yvonne, from her days as a reporter for the Enfield Press, always carried her camera with her. She would take photos and then send them around to people who were in the photos. She not only captured the moment, but captured a bit of history for many of us to share. She worked as the Administrative Assistant at the Senior Center for many years, volunteered her time on various boards and commissions, and was a loyal Republican helping on all campaigns and on Election Day. I believe she made a soup every year that all enjoyed. She will be missed! From ERTC Chairman, Mary Ann Turner:

Yvonne will always be remembered for her positive attitude and a smile onher face. In the last year Yvonne and I talked often. Yvonne stepped up alsoby being our corresponding secretary and she made me realize just how importantthis job is. We would talk on the phone and exchange updates on babies,new cars and hospital stays, and just a quick update on her condition.She never really talked about it, but I knew. She told me she didn't wantcompany, so I used my job as chairman as an excuse. I would stop in anddrop off flowers from my garden or share my store bought ones with her. Iwould then bring her up-to-date on the doings of the party and she justloved to fill me in with her thoughts on her "team."She commented on the election. She was impressed that you had taken up therole of writing about the Enfield GOP and loved to read your column aboutour side of the conversation, as she put it.She just supported everyone. She was always positive in her comments. Hernotes showed the same tone and many times I would get calls from our memberswho wanted to know, "how did Yvonne know about that." She always wrote, "alittle bird told me."Time slips by too quickly and only when we lose a jewel like Yvonne do westop for a minute and realize we need to stop...for a...minute.Yvonne helped me and mentored me and supported me when I decided to step upas chairman. She told me more than once I was doing a good job. I told herwhen I last spoke to her about a week ago, I would do my best to make herproud of our team, her team.Yvonne will be missed, but never forgotten. A true lady.


From School Board Member Andre Greco:

Yvonne was very warm and welcoming to me and my family when we first became part of the ERTC. I will never forget her passion for the betterment of the Town of Enfield or her kind and caring demeanor.



From ERTC Member and Friend, Monica Ryan:


Having known Yvonne for many years, I think one of the strongest memories of her will always be of her as "roving reporter" even though it has been a number of years since she was in that capacity. She was our answer to Jacqueline Bouvier !! Never unkind, she truly was a lovely person. She was always so interested in what was going on, in the very best sense.
And what a gracious lady she was, always asking how "you" were doing, never putting the focus on herself, even during her tough battle with cancer. Some people make the world a better place - Yvonne was one of those people.

From Paul Nabors Jr., ERTC Member and Enfield Fire Fighter:I have only one sentence that describes Yvonne. "The Woman Has Class"
We will certainly miss not only her smile, but her style.

There were many, many more tributes from friends around town. We would need the entire Enfield Press to share all of them.

Let me just say that as I put this article together I look above my desk to see two pictures. One is Governor Jodi Rell, me and my grand daughter. The other is a picture of me and John Kissel working together on our campaigns two years ago. On the back of each is a sticker that says "Taken by Yvonne Prestwich". I will cherish tem forever. Thanks Yvonne for being our friend....we will never forget you.

Greg Stokes