Henri A. Yelle, 94
Retired High School Principal
Dateline: Norton, MA
Henri A. Yelle, 94, a lifelong resident of Norton, died on Tuesday, March 28, 2006 at the Epoch Senior Healthcare Center in Norton. He was the beloved husband of Alta (Estabrook) Yelle to whom he was married on December 26, 1961 and the late Isabelle Williamson Yelle who died in 1956.
Born in Norton MA on November 24, 1911, he was a loving son of the late Wilfrid J. and Eveline M. (Bourdeau) Yelle.
Educated in the Norton schools, he was a 1929 graduate of Norton High School, graduated from the University of Dayton in Ohio, majoring in French. He received his Master of Arts from Boston University in 1951.
In 1935, he began his teaching career at the Barrowsville School in Norton, teaching all subjects but music to the 4th and 5th grade. In 1936, he became principal there while teaching all subjects, now including music, to the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. In 1937, he became principal of Sturdy School and taught 7th and 8th grade there, until 1941.
In 1941, he entered the U.S. Army as a 1st Lieutenant. First at Camp Blanding, Florida, he was also stationed at Fort Benning, GA and Camp Shelby, MS. At Camp Shelby in 1942, he was made Personnel Adjutant of the 103rd Infantry Regiment of the 43rd Infantry Division and was promoted to Captain. Having moved to Fort Ord, California, he shipped out on the Day Star from San Francisco on October 1, 1942 and arrived in New Zealand on October 22, 1942. During his time in the South Pacific, he was stationed in New Caledonia, Guadalcanal, the Russell Islands, and the Solomon Islands. He was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service. Returning stateside on July 4, 1944, he was then stationed in New York City until 1945 in the Adjutant General’s Decorations and Awards Department. He retired from the U.S. Reserve in 1958 as a Lieutenant Colonel.
In December 1945, he returned to Norton and was made assistant principal of Norton High School, and taught French, Ancient History, and Geometry. In 1959, he became principal of Norton High School, where he remained until he retired in 1973.
After retiring from the Norton School System, he began working part-time at the Wheaton College Library and retired from there in 1986.
Mr. Yelle was deeply involved in the town of Norton throughout his life. He was the Librarian of the Norton Public Library from 1946 to 1962. He served as President and Director of the Norton Land Preservation Society and was an active member of the Norton Historical Society.
A great lover of art, music, and nature, he demonstrated his artistic abilities most noticeably in the extensive flower gardens he kept at his home in the center of Norton and in the bouquets that decorated his home, and the homes and offices of many family and friends.
In January 2000, in honor of Mr. Yelle’s many years of service to the Town of Norton Schools, the school building where he served as principal was re-named the Henri A. Yelle Elementary School.
Besides his loving wife Alta, he is survived by his devoted daughter Henrietta Adrian Yelle, her husband Christopher Engstrom, and his cherished grandson Henri Paris Yelle Engstrom, all of Lexington. His dear brother and sister, Leo G. Yelle and Marie M. Lemieux, both of Norton, also survive him. He was predeceased by his siblings: Benedict J. Yelle, Donat E. Yelle, Wilfrid J. Yelle, Jr., Francis X. Yelle, Adrian E. Yelle, Joseph E. Yelle, Angeline M. Guevremont, Corinne C. Bottomley, Marguerite E. Chamberlain and Rita Gadway. Also survived by his sister-in-law Margaret F. Yelle of Belmont, as well as his numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
His memorial Mass, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited, will be held on Saturday, April 1 at 11 A.M. in St. Mary’s Church, So. Worcester St., Norton. Private burial will be at later date in the Norton Center Cemetery, Norton.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, March 31 from 5 – 8 P.M. at the Norton Memorial Funeral Home, 19 Clapp St (off Route 140, Taunton Ave), Norton.
Following the memorial Mass, all are invited to the Henri A. Yelle Elementary School for a time of fellowship and refreshment.
Remembrances may be made in Henri’s name to the Wilfrid and Eveline Yelle French Scholarship Fund, c/o Norton High School, 66 West Main St, Norton MA 02766. For additional information, please visit www.nortonmemorial.com.