Obituary of Antoinette Yerkes

Antoinette "Toni" Yerkes, 87, passed away at home on March 8, 2014. Born on June 28, 1926 in NYC she was predeceased by her beloved husband of 65 years, Francis P. Yerkes. They were married at All Souls Church in NYC on March 12, 1948. She nursed her husband through many years of illness before his passing on February 6, 2013. She was proud to have worked for 43 years in the mental health system in NYC, St. Louis, MO, Albany and Poughkeepsie, NY. She completed two Master's degrees-one in Occupational Therapy from New York University and the other in Public Health Administration from C.W. Post University. She was a dedicated employee who always advocated for the mentally ill. In 1989 she retired to soon transition to the role of grandma. Toni is survived by her devoted daughter and son-in-law, Adrienne and Ron Perry and twin grandsons, Brennan and Cameron Perry. Having lived next door, Grandma and Grandpa were very connected to their grandsons and enjoyed helping raise them and encouraging them throughout their lives. Toni is also survived by her sister Dorothea Abbott of Columbus, NJ and brother, Frederick Ockert of West Haverstraw, NY and her nieces Jean Abbott, Cindy Ockert and Cathy Abbott and her nephew Gary Ockert, and their respective families. Toni loved to travel, read, garden and collect antiques. She was a self-trained woodcarver specializing in Santas for her son-in-law. She loved all animals and especially her dog, Smoke. Cremation will be private and a memorial service will follow later in the spring. Arrangements are under the direction of Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, Inc., 371 Hooker Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603.