Yvonne Mary DeFreitas

Yvonne Mary DeFreitas (nee Ketchum), age 73, of Joliet, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Lightways Hospice, surrounded by her children, sister, and goddaughter.

Born on February 12, 1952, in Joliet to the late Robert and Marcella (nee Gehant) Ketchum, Yvonne led a full and loving life. She had a passion for antiques and gardening, and cherished spending time with her children and beloved cat. Yvonne also enjoyed watching television, particularly the shows Friends and The Curse of Oak Island. A stay-at-home mom for many years, Yvonne was also an antique dealer and talented cake decorator, creating special cakes for family milestones. She had a love for crossword puzzles and an appreciation for collecting stones.

Yvonne is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Marcella (nee Gehant) Ketchum; her brother, Robert Ketchum; and her sister, Dorothy (Jack) Dinges as well as her brother in law Ed Vanisko.

She is survived by her beloved children, Amanda Sanders and James (Diane Goyette) Sanders; her loving siblings, Donna (Larry) Jaros, Shirley Vanisko, and Gene (Kathi) Ketchum; her cherished goddaughter and niece, Jeanne Jaros; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly.

A memorial visitation will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Rd, Joliet, IL. In accordance with Yvonne's wishes, cremation has taken place, and a graveside inurnment will follow on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 10:00 am at Resurrection Cemetery, 200 W Romeo Rd, Romeoville, IL. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, or log on to https://www.alz.org/ to donate online.