by Alyson McKeen

South Paris, ME — Yvonne Whittemore, 76, wife of longtime USTA member and OTD Willis Whittemore, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2012 at Stephens Memorial Hospital in Norway, Maine with Willis and family by her side.

Yvonne and Willis were wed on New Year’s Eve in 1952 and throughout their marriage they had six children, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Willis started his racing career in 1968 at Lewiston Raceway, and throughout the years he traveled all over New England, often with Yvonne by his side. Racing ran in the Whittemore blood, sons Dennis and Dana would go on to follow in their father’s footsteps and become horsemen as well; nephews Brad and Stanley also train and drive, and grandson Jimmy currently races and trains.

She is survived by her husband on 59 years, Willis; sons Duffy (Rhonda), Dennis (Diane), Dana (Lorie), Danny (Barb), Melvin (Abbie) and daughter Cynthia (Jody). As well as grandchildren Desiree, Jimmy, Lana, Aimee, Aly, Bruce, DJ, Londen, Maggie & Kelly and great grandchildren Gracie and Jacquae.