RIP - I didn't know her but I am a figure and was inspired by her! I am 19 now and I want to keep figure skating as long as she does! I saw her in a youtube clip on national geographics youtube channel.

Yvonne you were a great lady and a true cat lover.  Glad to have know you .........RIP

RIP - Never met you but I know the feeling of an edge - so we are from the same cloth.  Hope you are skating up in heaven :-)

I saw your skating video and I was truly inspired. You've done amazing things in your life even from a young age. When you were skating it was beyond beautiful I'm 13 and I still can't skate but you have real skill. At the end of your video I was heartbroken to hear that you passed on but I want you to know that your story lives on and you will never be forgotten. Thank you for bringing hope to those who've lost it in the world you have truly proved that nothing is impossible with faith, hope, and passion. Skate on in heaven even there I know you'll do great things , God bless you :) 

Unfortunately, I did not have the pleasure of knowing Yvonne. I just saw a short documentary about her. Wow! What a beautiful lady. That was one of the most inspiring videos I have seen in a long time. I will definitely share it with my family and friends. My deepest condolences and prayers to all her family and friends.

Just saw this beautiful lady in a documentary and her performance at 90.....what an inspiration to all of us....prayers for all of her family....

I saw a beautiful documentary on Yvonne's life and it inspired me so much. I am going through a tough time and Yvonne gave me courage and strength.

Yvonne was a lovely person that I always admired. In my late twenties I took lessons from Yvonne and then when I was going through a divorce, Yvonne taught and coached my daughter, Kim. She always went the extra mile to be sure my daughter stayed in lessons and participated in competitions even when finances were tight and my schedule was a mess. Yvonne was an inspiration to both my daughter and me. I only regret that I just learned of her passing in the Arvada newspaper. Our deepest sympathy to Sherry, Bart and family. Yvonne will continue to live joyfully in our hearts.

I just recently heard of Yvonne's passing, and send my condolences and deepest sympathy to Sherry and Bret, and family.  I met Yvonne at the skating competition at Pickwick in Burbank, at which time when Yvonne was 89, we competed against each other in the same event.  She beat me in the event, and I remember her saying that she forgot some of her program - which was not at all noticeable, and I said, "I forgot my program sequence more than once!"  She has been a great inspiration to us "older" skaters, and to the young, as well.  Sherry is also a beautiful skater, as I also watched her events.  Being in my 70's, I hope to skate as long as Yvonne.  She will be missed.  

Jeanne Brilhante, Santa Clarita, California

When i turned 50 3 years ago i got in a real slump. I felt like my best health and activity days were in the past and i regretted letting slide my dance and ice skating for past 25 years of work and lots of animal rescue (which i dont regret but there went my "free" time!). i came upon the videos and stories of Yvonne and was SO impressed and inspired.  I realized that what had come so easily to me for fitness- especially balance and muscles- i would have to choose to fight for to live the rest of my life to the fullest.  And to satisfy my artistic side too! "If you dont move you wont move" became my MOTTO ! I shared her on my facebook and have been following her.  I just saw that she had passed away and the world has lost a beautiful spirit- but her inspiration will go on forever and i know will help people to forget AGE and just BE in the moment and keep doing what you love. What a special woman. Thank you Yvonne for showing us all how to Carpe Diem and be our most vital and engaged selves. My mom always said "this is not a dress rehearsal" but i have wasted energy on fretting about the passing years but at 50 i said no more! And Yvonne remains one of my main Goddess Ice Skaters for the Everyday People Everywhere. God Bless..

My sincere sympathies to you Sherry. I only just saw Yvonne two year's ago at a competition and was so inspired that she continued to ice skate....and she looked beautiful!  I adored her colorful figure skates as a child and will always remember her being so sweet to me at North Jeffco.

What an inspiration she was.I just now saw her video ice skating and looked her up on google just to find out she passed away this month.My deepest sympathies to the family of this amazing woman.Love from Texas,Brenda hall

My mother, Ima Schlapkohl Riessen, is Yvonne's first cousin.  She is 95 and lives in Walcott, Iowa.  I have been skating for most of my life and did competitions as an adult and still skate several times a week in the Indianapolis area.  Although I have never met Bret and Sherry I would like to communicate with them.  lynnk1@earthlink.net
Lynn Kenyon

Thinking about Yvonne brings back such good memories of North Jeffco rink and Melia's early days of skating.  Even though Yvonne was not her coach, she was always supportive and encouraging.  (Flying sit spin was awesome thanks to the advice!). Thanks for the memories.  So glad to have known her.  Our sympathy to Sherry and family.

I saw your skating videos and it made me see that age is nothing but a number. Skate away in Heaven as they received a special Angel. God bless you and all your family .

Yvonne was truly an inspiration and her sense of humor was so endearing. It will be sad to not see her skating in her pink skates at our competitions. My condolences to Sherry and the rest of the family.

While I did not have the privilege of knowing you in this lifetime, you are an inspiration to me. I hope that I can remain physically active when I'm your age! I am glad you enjoyed your favorite sport until you crossed to the next realm. Peace be with you!

I did not know you, but saw you on Face Book today.  What an inspiration you were. Hollywood should make a movie about you.  Godspeed dear Yvonne, I know you are up there doing triples.

Just read your story online, and watched a video of you skating .... What an inspiration you are ! Godspeed to you sweet woman ! My condolences to the family .

You were such an inspiration to all skaters.   I just know you are in Heaven nailing double Axels and all your triples.   Rest in peace-  you will be missed.  
Kelley Matthews, Longmont

I was saddened to hear of Yvonne's passing. She was truly an ice skating icon.  Yvonne would skate past my patch, and tell me my loops looked like tomatoes! They still do Yvonne! Harvey also sharpened my dance skates.  The skating world has lost a great skater, coach, and friend.  You will be missed! So glad to have known you Yvonne.
 Hugs and prayers to Sherry, Brett and Family..
With Love,

Very sad to hear you're gone, Yvonne! I'll always love you and miss you.

I am saddened by Yvonne's passing. She was one special lady. I send prayers to her family. Thank you Yvonne for being Harlick rep and knowing how to mount blades properly.

Rest in peace, Yvonne. It was an honor to have known you. My condolences to Sherry and family.

She was such a nice lady!  I took lessons from her when I was in elementary school, and then my dad took lessons from her in his 40s.  I remember that she had purple suede ice skates.  :)  My thoughts are with her family.

So sad to hear of Yvonne's passing. She left such a lasting impression on all of us. My thoughts and prayers go out to Sherry and the rest of her family. She is a one of a kind and will be truly missed!

Yvonne was a special lady; she was such an inspiration to so many! She will be missed. My condolences to the family.

Very sad to hear of Yvonne's passing. She was a joy to know and a real inspiration. Condolences to Sherry and the family. We all loved her spirit.

OBITUARY

Yvonne M. Dowlen

July 5, 1925 – May 2, 2016

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Crown Hill

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