Agnes Kane Yance

Agnes Kane Yance, known affectionately to all as Agnes, lived a life characterized by faith, adventure, and an unwavering dedication to her family. Born on January 31, 1930, in Liverpool, Great Britain, to James Edward Kane and Katherine Donegan Kane, Agnes's journey through life was marked by resilience and love. She departed from this world peacefully due to natural causes on September 2, 2024, in Dothan, Alabama.

Educated at St. Matthews R.C. School and later at Commercial School for Office Training, Agnes developed a strong foundation that would support her through a successful career as a secretary. She lent her talents to various firms including Donofro Associates, Hollis and Spann, and Lewis and Associates. Her professionalism and dedication led her to serve as the president of the American Business Woman Association on two separate occasions, a testament to her leadership and the respect she garnered among her peers.

Agnes's life took a defining turn on September 3, 1939, when Great Britain declared war on Germany. At the end of the war, she met her beloved husband in Great Britian, Winfred "Jim" Yance, while he was stationed in the U. S. Air Force near Liverpool. After marriage, they moved to Ashford, Alabama, then later settled in Dothan, Alabama, which they called home for many years. Their love blossomed across continents and they married in England. Agnes's strength shone brightly when, due to her husband's illness, she took on the role of provider. She navigated the demands of work in an unfamiliar country with grace and determination, a testament to her adaptability and courage.

Proud of her British heritage, Agnes also embraced her life in America with open arms. She was a faithful member of St. Columba Catholic Church, where she prayed for those in need and participated actively in the community. Agnes's intelligence and faith-filled spirit were evident in all aspects of her life, from her professional achievements to her personal relationships.

Her adventurous nature was not confined to her youth; Agnes was well-traveled and seized every opportunity to explore the world. Yet, it was her role as the matriarch of her family that brought her the most joy. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jim, her parents, siblings Stephen Kane, James Kane, Mary Patricia Taverner, Winifred (Winnie) Seddon, and her dear son-in-law, Skip Peckham.

She leaves behind a legacy of love through her daughter, Sharon Yance Peckham, and her son, Gregory W. (Eva) Yance. Her grandchildren, Kane Peckham (Kristina), Lauryn Peckham Griffin (Jordan), Joshua Yance, and foster granddaughter, Mi McKeown, as well as her great-grandchildren, Whityn Griffin, Madden Griffin, Max Peckham, and Shyloh-Grace Yance, will carry forward her spirit of adventure and love. Agnes is also survived by siblings, Teresa Wojcik and Joseph Kane as well as many loving nieces, nephews, family and friends. Her family will miss her intelligent conversations, her faith-filled guidance, and her adventurous stories.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in honor of Agnes's life at 10:30 am on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at St. Columba Catholic Church. Monsignor Patrick Gallagher, Father Jim Dane, and Father Thomas LaPointe will officiate the service. Agnes will be laid to rest in Memory Hill Cemetery, where her spirit will continue to watch over those she loved. Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel from 6-7 pm on Friday, September 6, 2024.

Agnes Kane Yance lived a life that was intelligent, faith-filled, and adventurous. Her story is one of a woman who faced the world with courage and love, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.