Matilde (Vergara) Tavernier

Matilde (Vergara) Tavernier, 97, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 25, 2023, at Greenleaf Health Campus. She was born on March 12, 1926, in Bogota, Colombia to the late Gracielano and Teodemira (Camacho) Vergara.

Matilde is survived by her loving children, Yvonne (Paul) Christian of Elkhart, and Yolanda (Bob) Morrow of Sarasota, FL; grandchildren, Jeffrey, Tony, and Chad; great grandchildren, Coleman, Heidi, Hannah, Layla, and Finley; great-great grandchild, Sophia; sister, Anadelia Rico; nieces, Esperanza and Nancy; and stepson, Jerry (Pat) Tavernier.

Matilde was preceded in death by her parents and loving husband, Clarence Tavernier.

In accordance with Matilde’s wishes, cremation has been chosen. Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart is assisting the family with arrangements.

After Clarence and Matilde had raised their children in Elkhart, they decided to move to Deming, NM, where they became rockhounds. They proudly opened their own small business selling various rocks and enjoyed the customers they had for many years. Matilde would always note that these were the best years of her life, always being grateful for what she and her husband had accomplished.

In more recent years, Matilde enjoyed playing card games and visiting her family.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Heart to Heart Hospice and the entire staff at Greenleaf Health Campus for their amazing care and love shown to Matilde during her time there.

Matilde, along with all the love and joy she shared, will be dearly missed by those whose hearts she touched throughout her life.

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