Yvette Rosabelle Challenger of The Bronx, New York, formerly from Antigua, West Indies, passed away peacefully at her home on May 19th, 2022. She was seventy-seven years of age. Yvette was born on the Island of Antigua, to Donald Challenger and Fernella Carlos (nee Odlum) the second of 5 siblings. At the tender age of five years, Yvette went to live with her Aunt Doris Derrick, and became a sister to her Aunt Doris' children growing up in that household. She attended the Foundation Mixed Elementary School, then proceeded to the Faith & Hope High School, from which she graduated. Yvette went into the workforce in Antigua after graduation, securing a secretarial job with J. Oliver Davis Accounting Firm, as secretary to the owner.
At the age of twenty-five Yvette immigrated to the United States to join her mother Fernella. Yvette worked with the Department of Parole as a Secretary, where she was highly respected until her retirement in 2016. In her spare time, she enjoyed taking walks throughout the Bronx and Manhattan. She enjoyed shopping and was quite pleased when she scored a good bargain. Yvette loved to prepare many recipes and was a great cook, but her favorite pastime was baking various pastries, especially cakes and decorating them for varied occasions for family and friends.
Yvette's pride and joy was her son Michael. Every sector of his life was very important to her as she watched him grow from childhood into an independent man. She was very supportive of him academically, and equally supportive of his various hobbies.
Yvette will be remembered as a very strong and determined lady, who maintained a keen interest in the lives of her family. She had great patience and a wonderful sense of humor. She was self-sufficient, humble and wise; others could rely on her counsel as she tried to guide them in the right path. She loved visiting family & friends whether it was in the United States or abroad.
Yvette is survived by her son Michael, her brother Andres Carlos, her many nieces, nephews, adopted siblings from the Derrick clan, and many wonderful friends. She will be missed by all who knew her. She is predeceased by her parents, Donald Challenger and Fernella Carlos (nee Odlum), her brothers; Juri & Wesley, and her sister Jackie.
A celebration of Yvettes life will take place at the Pelham Funeral Home located at 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham, New York on Friday June 3rd from 9:00 to 10:00am. A funeral service will commence at 10:00 am at the Pelham Funeral Home.
A Live stream of Yvette's Life Celebration can be found
HERE
