by Emmanuel LaRoche ’25

The woman I most admire is my mother, Yvonne Anchundia

She was born in Panama, and with her sister, Lorna Deleon, she lived a joyful life, then married my father, Victor LaRoche, heading off to Illinois. She had my older brother and me, and we’ve happily lived together since. I admire her for her courageous and admirable personality, and her loving kindness that she shows through everything she does. Yvonne is just my mother, she’s the blessing of my life; my best friend. She’s irreplaceable. 

Without her in my life, I would be lost without a guide. She’s led me through my 15 year long journey, changing me for the better along the way. I thank god every day and every night for blessing me with a mother as wonderful as her. I hope she has an amazing National Women’s Day.