Yvonne’s commitment and energy for La Leche League was invaluable during the rapid expansion of LLL Groups in the late 60s and early 70s in New Zealand. She was a mover and a shaker but above all a mother, grandmother and friend to many. Yvonne was at the forefront of the foundation of a national La Leche League organisation in New Zealand. Her work ethic, energy and commitment to the values of La Leche League would see her many years later putting her energy into formalising the Alumnae Association into a national organisation.
Yvonne and her family moved to Wisconsin, USA in 1960 and two years later she became a La Leche League Leader. Yvonne returned to New Zealand in 1965 and in 1967 started an LLL Group in Cambridge, which is still active today. She later established two groups in Hamilton.
Yvonne’s can-do attitude, knowledge and leadership, management and promotional skills led her to become a major contributor in the formation of the national organisation. She was appointed the first Coordinator of the La Leche League Groups in New Zealand in 1969 and organised a mini-conference in Hamilton the same year. Yvonne was the recipient of the Waikato Woman of the Year Award in 1974 and was made an Honorary Member of LLLNZ.
Submitted by Alison Stanton