Dr. Yvonne Fournier-Negroni's Obituary
Dr. Yvonne Fournier, 78, unexpectedly passed away on November 9, 2023. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, educator, and devout Catholic.
Yvonne was born on September 29, 1945, in New York to Enrique Fournier Jacques and Damiana Negroni Rodriguez. After high school graduation, she followed her parents back to their native Puerto Rico and graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and a master’s degree in public health.
Yvonne was immensely proud of her Puerto Rican heritage and culture. She loved deeply and believed in a higher being who mandates that we put the needs of our neighbor before our own. She lived this tradition and continually looked for opportunities to assist those in need as would her role model St. Therese of Lisieux.
It was in her beloved Puerto Rico that she met her husband of 38 years, Dr. Manolo Soto-Viera, a pioneering developmental pediatrician. They moved to their adopted hometown of Memphis, Tennessee in 1977. As a lifelong learner, Dr. Fournier then obtained her doctorate in Education from the University of Memphis (then Memphis State University). She went on to found Fournier Learning Strategies, Inc., a leading comprehensive educational consulting company. Her husband joined her professionally to become one of the first pediatrician-educator dyads in the country. Together they served thousands of children and families. She was also a published author and syndicated columnist. She dedicated her life to helping children succeed and recognize their immense worth.
Yvonne was an active member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church community for many years. In the 1980s, Yvonne was elected Parish Council President where she applied her training, skills, and knowledge to her parish with amazing results. She was on a constant journey to better understand her faith and God. Always eager to fill her heart with the salvation and spirit of Jesus Christ, she volunteered in the Outreach Center, youth ministry, liturgical ministries, and much more. She was a joyful servant each Thursday in the food pantry and the Sunday meal.
She also served on the Board of Directors of many community organizations such as the YMCA of Memphis, the University of Memphis Executive Advisory Board, the Porter Leath Children’s Center, the Parenting Center of Memphis, and Catholic Charities.
By far her greatest pride and joy was her son, Dr. Manolo Soto-Fournier, who was born and raised in Memphis and now lives in Baltimore, Maryland. Above all Yvonne treasured her time with her family, most especially her grandson, Mateo, who she cherished and was known to spoil unapologetically.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother Arcides Fournier. She is survived by her son Dr. Manolo Soto-Fournier and his family, her sisters Eda Rios Fournier and Yvette Fernandez Fournier, and her loving nieces and nephews. She was a beloved friend to many and leaves a legacy of love and generosity. She will be sorely missed.
A Memorial Visitation will be held an hour prior to Mass from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. A Memorial Mass will be held at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, Saturday, January 13th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow the Memorial Mass service at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Inurnment will at 1:30 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN. 38119
In lieu of flowers, please share a photo or memory for her grandson Mateo to never forget her by via e-mail to [email protected].
Donations may also be made in her name to the Society of the Little Flower at LittleFlower.org or 1 (800) 621-2806
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