Yvonne M. Nafe, 87

February 17, 2025

Yvonne M. Nafe, 87, of Lancaster, PA, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 17, 2025, at Moravian Manor. Born in Philadelphia to the late Vera M. (Weidman) and Richard J. Trees, Yvonne was a woman of warmth, faith, and unwavering devotion to her family and the Lancaster community. She was the beloved wife of the late C. Robert Nafe, who preceded her in death in 2000.

A proud 1955 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School, Yvonne remained deeply connected to her alma mater throughout her life. She served as a nurse at Lancaster Catholic High School, where her compassionate care touched the lives of countless students. She also founded the Star Program, demonstrating her passion for education and student success. Her 30 years of dedication were recognized in 2014 when she was honored for her service to the school. Yvonne also served as President with the Guys and Dolls organization.

Beyond her career, Yvonne lived life with a spirit of adventure. She loved to travel, whether it was spending time in Ocean City and Cape May, NJ, taking bus trips with friends, or embarking on a memorable cruise to Alaska. An avid golfer, she once achieved the rare feat of a hole-in-one—though she also had the infamous experience of accidentally hitting a duck!

Sundays were cherished in the Nafe household, where Yvonne’s love for cooking and baking brought family together around the dinner table. She was also a devoted supporter of Lancaster Catholic High School athletics, especially basketball, cheering passionately for the teams that meant so much to her.

Yvonne’s faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was a dedicated member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where she found strength and community. Yvonne also served as an extraordinary minister at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

She leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her kindness, wisdom, and joyful spirit. Yvonne is survived by her children: Lynn Deatrick, wife of Hans, of Lancaster; Bob Nafe, husband of Linda, of Ephrata; and Mike Nafe, husband of Kim, of Lancaster. She was a proud grandmother to Alyssa (Joel) Eveler, Sven Deatrick (Ashley), Kelsey Redcay (Blake), Amanda Geiss (Dustin), Nicole Bauer (Kole), Morgan Moss (Tim), Olivia Nafe (Craig) and Ava Nafe, as well as step-grandchildren Ethan and Anthony Eveler. She was also blessed with a great-grandson, Bryson Robert Geiss. Yvonne is also survived by her brother, Richard Trees, and was preceded in death by her sister, Bonnie Mixell.

A Funeral Service will be held at 3:30 PM on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 119 S. Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603. Family and friends will be received from 1:30 PM until the time of service. Interment will take place at a later date at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lancaster Catholic High School Athletic Association, 650 Juliette Ave, Lancaster, PA 17601, in honor of Yvonne’s enduring love for her school and its students.

Her legacy of kindness, faith, and devotion to family will be carried forward by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Watch the tribute video