Maria Louise O'Hearne Yelle, 92, of Newport News, VA died May 21, 2023.  She was born July 17, 1930 in Taunton, MA to Joseph Patrick and Ruth Sutcliffe O'Hearne, the youngest of four girls.  Maria graduated magna cum laude from Emanuel College in Boston, where she was the valedictorian of the class of '51.  She met a young man named George Roger Yelle at a church event and they married on Independence Day in 1955.

Maria had a passion for education, serving as an admissions recruiter for Emanuel College and teaching for thirty years in Taunton, MA.  After retiring she continued to tutor many special children.  She and Roger were longtime members of Saint Jude's Catholic Church, formally St. Jacques, where they served in many ministries.  During their golden years they saw much of the world from the decks of cruise ships.  Maria enjoyed many accomplishments in her life.  She was a beauty, a scholar and had a distinguished career but her love and devotion to her family were her most precious joys.  They are Michael Yelle and Jennifer Manger-Ranaudo of Tiverton, RI, Roger Yelle and Caitlin Griffith of Tucson, AZ, Mary and Christopher Bonzek of Newport News, VA, Ruth Boisse and Joe Docolla of Hendersonville, NC, and John and Anne Yelle of Tinton Falls, NJ.  Those five have given Maria and Roger 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, so far.

In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Hospice Support Care of Williamsburg at williamsburghospice.org.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith and Son Funeral Home, Newport News, VA.