Jeanne Yanco

Jeanne Yanco, a long-time resident of Bellingham, passed away Saturday, September 22, 2018. She was born on September 30, 1923 in Boston, Massachusetts to Benjamin and Ora (Crandall) Van Ness. In 1953, she and her family moved to Bellingham. Jeanne was an active member of Central Lutheran Church and sang in their choir and as a soloist. From a young age, music was central to her life: in Boston she sang with the Handel and Haydn Society and was a member of the Sweet Adelines for many years. In her work in the admissions office at WWU, Jeanne befriended many a student far from home, making life-long friendships with some of them. She volunteered for a number of local charities and sat on the board of Lydia Place. Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband Allan Yanco in March 2012 and her siblings, Bobby, Shirley, Helen, and Ruth. She is survived by her children, Jennifer Yanco, Elizabeth Sacharov, and Theodore Yanco; granddaughter Anna Yanco-Papa great-granddaughter Cosima Braxton-Papa; and sister Alberta Morrison. Memorial contributions may be made to Lydia Place or to Central Lutheran Church. A memorial service will be announced for a future date. You may share your memories of Jeanne at www.westfordfuneralhome.com .