Michal "Mike" Breidenstein Yongue

Michal Dee (Mike) Breidenstein Yongue, 85 of Athens, died July 7, 2022.  Mike was born December 16, 1936 in Altoona, Pennsylvania to Budd and Mickey Breidenstein. She moved often with her family, attending 10 schools before her high school graduation. A student for a brief period at Centenary Women’s Junior College in New Jersey, she later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Houston, where she met and married Robert E. (Bob) Yongue, III. They moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, where their children, Mickey and Rob, were born.

In 1963, the Yongue family relocated and settled in Athens, where Mike worked for the University of Georgia School of Journalism and later as a parapro at Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School in the Clarke County School District. While at Oglethorpe Avenue, Mike realized her passion for teaching young children. Earning a Masters of Education in 1981 from UGA’s College of Education, Mike was a full-time first grade teacher at Oglethorpe Avenue for many years; she later retired from Whitehead Road Elementary School.

Through the years, Mike served in various community, civic, and church volunteer capacities.  She was president of the Athens Newcomers Club, a Girl Scout leader, a member of the Athens First Night Steering Committee, a member of the Athens 1996 Olympic Committee, and the volunteer coordinator and interim director of the Nancy Travis House, which served as a day care center for children of homeless families. Since 1963, Mike was an active member of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, where she served in various key leadership roles. For many years, she was involved in planning and logistics for the annual North Georgia Methodist Conference held in Athens. Until her passing, Mike was an active member of the same bridge club for 59 years. A voracious reader and a pundit of current events, Mike daily read the entirety of the New York Times. Her intellect, quick wit, and humor will be greatly missed.

Mike was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Bob, as well as her parents. She is survived by her daughter, Mickey Yongue of Athens; her son, Rob Yongue of Athens; her grandson, Harrison Montevideo of Athens; her sister, Patricia Looper of Morganton, North Carolina; her sister-in-law, Millie Yongue of Laurinburg, North Carolina; several nieces, nephews, and dear friends; and her beloved canine companion, Scout.

A memorial service will be held July 9, 2022 at 12:30 pm at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, followed by family visitation and an ice cream (Mike’s favorite food) reception. Rev. Kathy Lamon, the pastor at Chapelwood, will officiate. Planning her own service, Mike was adamant that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Chapelwood UMC, 100 Janice Drive, Athens, Georgia 30606.

The family extends its heartfelt appreciation to all who provided support, assistance, and medical expertise during Mike’s brief, seven-week illness.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, West, Watkinsville, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com