Yvonne Jeanette Cloutier, age 92, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 20, 2025, in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, surrounded by her beloved children and family. Born on July 21, 1933 in Superior, WI to Louis Columbus and Minnie Jeanette (Hamm) Cloutier, Yvonne graduated with the Class of 1951 from Superior East High School.

Setting the foundation for her impactful career in education, Yvonne earned both a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with minors in Music and Art, and a Master of Science in Educational Administration from UW–Superior. Over the years she taught at Washburn School in Duluth, MN and in Superior, WI, she taught at Ericsson, St. Francis, and Nelson Dewey Elementary Schools, and Central and Cathedral Jr. High Schools. Dedicated to music education, she authored a music theory curriculum, Learning About Music is a Certain Happiness and was an advocate for children of all ethnicities, learning abilities and socio-economic backgrounds.

Yvonne's leadership extended beyond the classroom. As Principal, she served at Lincoln, Nelson Dewey, and Lake Superior Elementary Schools, and as Community Education Director, she increased financial support for adult literacy programs and developed the first law course in the state for lay people. Yvonne was also a Wisconsin Artist-in-Education, admired for her deep commitment to music, learning, and community. In recognition of her lifelong dedication, Yvonne was inducted into the Superior School District's Academic Hall of Fame in 2014.

A talented musician, national and international performer, author and accomplished recording artist, Yvonne co-founded the Lake Superior Ragtime Society, authored the book Scott Joplin, King of Ragtime, and performed on and produced five music CDs showcasing her artistry. She shared her love of music by teaching piano to countless children and adults, nurturing a new generation of musicians, and remained deeply engaged in the music community by organizing, hosting, judging, and chairing national competitions.

A visionary in her field, Yvonne founded the Arizona Ragtime Society, played an active role in the Phoenix Music Teachers Association, and in 1995 was honored with the title of Ms. Senior Arizona. She later helped establish the Temecula Valley Music Teachers Association in California and performed in ragtime festivals across the country, delighting audiences everywhere she played.

Yvonne's passion for sharing music extended beyond the stage. She created and hosted the television program Musical Moments for SCA TV in Henderson, Nevada, and for over 11 years contributed a beloved column of the same name to The Vegas Voice. She served as director of the Sun City Anthem Choraliers, earned the title of Ms. Senior Nevada in 2003, and in 2019 was awarded the NAMPA Award for her column "Musical Moments" in The Vegas Voice. In 2020, she received the Ragtime Award of Excellence from the Las Vegas Music Teachers Association.

Her musical talent, tireless energy, and commitment to excellence in every endeavor were a testament to her love of music, education, and life itself. Yvonne leaves behind a rich legacy for her family, her students, and the countless people she taught, inspired, and touched through her remarkable career. Her creative pursuits were as varied as they were impressive—composer, performer, television producer and personality, educator, principal, and author. In every role, she brought passion, innovation, and a deep commitment to sharing the joy of music and learning with others.

Yvonne is survived by her five children, of whom she was immensely proud: Brendt Talcott Loveland, CO, Steven Talcott, Chandler, AZ, Craig (Susan) Talcott Triangle, VA, David (Michelle) Talcott La Jolla, CA, and Barbara (Jim) Mlinar Hudson, WI. She also leaves behind nine cherished grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Yvonne was preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings, now reunited in eternal peace.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2316 East 4th Street, Superior, Wisconsin, with Fr. James Tobolski officiating. Interment will follow at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery in Superior. Family and friends are warmly invited to also gather at the cemetery and afterwards for a lively luncheon celebrating Yvonne's remarkable life at St. Francis Parish Hall, where the sharing of memories will be welcomed. Downs Life Celebration Center is assisting the family with arrangements.