Yvonne M. Laszlo

Yvonne M. Laszlo, 90, of Osceola, Indiana, passed peacefully at her residence on March 10, 2026.

Born on September 3, 1935, in Croswell, Michigan, to Raymond B. Kipp and Leona W. (Hurley) Kipp, Yvonne graduated from Croswell-Lexington High School in 1954. She moved to Mishawaka to attend Bethel College, where she earned her teaching degree, and later received a master’s degree from Ball State University. In 1972 she married Robert D. Laszlo in South Bend; he preceded her in death in 2011.

Yvonne devoted 39 years to teaching first grade in the Cassopolis and South Bend school systems, including at Franklin, Lincoln, and Studebaker schools. Known for her patience, kindness, and deep faith, she continued tutoring and working with children long after her retirement in 1997. A lifelong member of Gospel Center Missionary Church, she sang in the choir, served in children’s ministries and AWANA, and played piano for children’s church. She also played trombone in the Michiana Concert Band and cherished big band music and summer concerts in the park.

Yvonne found quiet joy in gardening, sharing the bounty of her rhubarb, vegetables, and flowers with others, and in tending her lawn with care. She delighted in simple pleasures—working puzzles, playing Skip-Bo and dominoes with Ellie and Leah, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, and sharing daily phone calls with her dear friend Edie. She treasured her close friendship with Dawn, whom she lovingly called her daughter.

Although an only child with no children of her own, Yvonne touched countless lives through her teaching, her church, and her warm friendships. She is survived by Daniel and Andrea Hoover, Ellie Hoover, and Leah (Sam) and Jacob Shaferly. Her gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and lifelong dedication to children and service will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.