Tribute

Lydia “Mam” Young passed away Saturday, January 7, surrounded by family at Willingdon Creek Village. She is survived by her husband John (Harry, Papa) Young; children Patsy (Bruce, Roy), Peter (Pennie), Rockie (Linda), Hannah (Doug), Chris (Julie) and Tim (Joanne); grandchildren Suzanne, April, Vanessa, Rachel, Emily, Peter, Jason, Kiley, Zach, Mark, David, Travis, Luke, Curtis, Amber, Scott, Brittany and Allyssa; great-grandchildren Jordan, Evangeline and Lydia; and three siblings: John, Mary and Jack. She was predeceased by three grandchildren (Jennifer, Michael and Jesse). Lydia was born in Saskatchewan in 1932. Her parents were Mennonite refugees from the USSR who found freedom and a home in Canada in the 1920s. This was a part of Mam’s identity that shaped her values, her faith and her amazing Mennonite cooking. Lydia’s family moved to Yarrow, BC, in 1938, where she grew up on a farm and attended school, with her sister Mary, and later Bible school. As a young woman, Lydia left the countryside and moved to Vancouver, where she worked for the owners of McGavin’s Bread. It was during this time that she met Harry. They married April 18, 1953, after which Lydia moved to join Harry in Powell River, where they remained ever since. In addition to parenting, Lydia’s life in Powell River included building two family homes, raising chickens (her “girls”), growing vegetable gardens and becoming a grandparent, which earned her the cherished title “Mam.” Faith was at the centre of Mam’s life. “Devotions” (daily Bible reading and prayer) were an essential part of her day. She prayed daily for each and every member of her family. Her faith gave her joy in the high points of life and kept her going through the struggles. It gave her hope, peace, and most importantly, selfless love for others. Her legacy testifies to the difference Jesus makes when he is put at the centre of our lives. Mam was determined to do whatever it took to bring good into the world, no matter how thankless or unglamorous the work might be. She spent years raising money by collecting cans for Mercy and Caring Children’s Homes, work that only ended when her health declined. She raised more than $50,000 over the years through recycling, proving that anyone can make a difference. The family is grateful for Patsy and her husband Bruce who continue this work. Lydia has touched the lives of many. She loved seniors and would regularly visit many in their homes at Olive Devaud Residence and the hospital’s extended care wing. She would often take her children and grandchildren with her and has passed on her passion for caring for the elderly to many of her descendants. Mam will be deeply missed. Her love was unconditional and never needed to be earned. She listened without judging and loved everyone she knew in a way that made them feel unique and special; this is what we will miss most of all. A celebration of Mam’s live will be held at Westview Baptist Church at 1 pm on Saturday, January 21. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mercy and Caring Children’s Homes. To donate, please visit mercyandcaringhomes.org or send a cheque to: Donna Ball, treasurer, 285 Glassford Road, Gibsons, BC, V0N1V8.