Yvonne D. Fortina, 79, of Bennington, died Aug. 12, 2008, with her family at her side.

A vigil service was held Friday, Aug. 15, at Heafey-Heafey-Hoffman-Dworak-Cutler West Center Chapel. A Mass of Christian burial was held Saturday at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Omaha. Inurnment was in Calvary Cemetery.

Yvonne D. “Cassie” Fortina was born Jan. 14, 1929. As a youth, she was an accomplished violinist who played with the Omaha Junior Symphony. While attending college, she met and married the love of her life, Francis. They were blessed with seven children.

She cherished being a mother and her family was her fulfillment in life. She had varied interests and talents including music, travel, china painting, cooking, baking, sewing, horseback riding, yoga, Bible study, gardening, and tending to her many beloved pets. She was an antique enthusiast, who had her own successful antique shop known as Farmhouse Antiques, for 15 years. She adored animals and welcomed them to their acreage in the country.

She was a devoted Catholic, who enjoyed attending mass and giving the Eucharist to her fellow parishioners. As a volunteer for hospice, she comforted the sick through prayer and giving them Holy Communion at their bedside.

She loved celebrating the holidays with her family and friends. Her loving spirit and enthusiasm for life was reflected in her kindness and generosity toward others.

She is survived by her husband, Francis; children: Martin Fortina, and daughter, Amy Beth; Michaela and Larry Forst; Kevin Fortina, and daughter, Salina; Brian and Lori Fortina and children, Dominic and Kalani; Karen and Scott Labs and children, Emmy Lou, Michael Jr., and Joseph; Paul Fortina and Dr. Lisa Schrum Fortina; Lisa and Andrew Naylor; great-grandchildren, Donovan and Damien; brother, Michael Casasola; cousin, Helga Stoudamire; sister-in-law, Relda Fortina; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association or Immanuel-Fontanelle Home.