Eleanor May Young

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Eleanor May Young on May 26, 2024. Born in Wolfville, N.S. on December 19, 1971, she was the beloved daughter of Alan R. and Margaret Young (nee Haines, now SAGAR). She was predeceased by her father, Alan R. Young (2023), by her stepfather Alan Sagar (2018), and by several dear friends. Mourning her death are her treasured mother, her beloved baby brother Julian B. Young (Sharon), niece Maddie Young, nephew Austin Fraser (Jessy), stepmother Wendy Katz and stepbrother Eric Katz, Sagar family members, extended families of both her parents, including Auntie Celia (Young) Murphy (Dennis) (Nanaimo B.C.), Auntie Christine (Haines) Wilding, (Amphion Les Bains, France), Uncle Graham and Auntie Sally Haines, (Ringwood East, Victoria, Australia,) cousins in U.K., France, Australia and USA, and by many dear friends.

Eleanor graduated from Parrsboro Regional High School in 1990; obtained her B.A. in Psychology from Saint Mary’s University in 1993 and attended Compu College School of Business for her diploma in Medical Office Management, 1994. She took great pride in her work in the Health Care System with, among others, Urology Associates, Public Gardens Medical Clinic, and the Division of Neurosurgery at the QE2 Health Sciences Centre. She was devastated when she could no longer use her knowledge, skills, and experience in paid employment on account of her health. It was a harsh blow to her dignity and self image. She had also trained as a Medical First Responders, taking pleasure and pride in that qualification.

She loved to sit by a crackling fire at many a campsite over the years or in a cottage at White Point Resort; she enjoyed the beach and ocean at her mother’s home and elsewhere, swimming or basking in sunshine. Quiet mornings with coffee gave her peace. She loved clothes, purses, other accessories, and make-up, appreciating the tutelage of her friend Crystal, and professionals Tracy Lajoie, Kandi Neves and Katie Cowie Oliver. Through the expression of emotions and the stories which the songs tell, country music gave her joy and comfort in both the happiest and darkest times of her life. Eleanor especially loved her niece, Maddie, from babyhood onwards, along with Ciara and Gavin, children of Nicky and Ian Ayles. She was Auntie E. to them.

Eleanor was known to her friends for her kindness, compassion, and generous care for others. She had a big heart to embrace others in their time of need. In times of ill health, or other crisis, she has given loving attention to each of her family and friends. Her advice and support in such circumstances will be greatly missed, especially by her mother.

Eleanor wanted us to know that while she is not usually very creative, this obituary and the Celebration of her Life are her own work, reflecting her wishes for leaving this earth in peace. They were planned by her as she courageously coped with the devastating diagnosis of incurable metastatic cancer during the fall of 2023 and since. Her family and friends are in awe of the courage she has shown in planning for her inevitable death and the love revealed in her deliberate arrangements to say goodbye and thank you to many people.

Particularly since reading Janice Landry’s books with their life lessons of gratitude and resilience to overcome challenges, Eleanor has expressed her gratitude to others. She is grateful to Janice for her love and support. Here follows a long list of those whom Eleanor wishes to thank for the special role each has played in her life. Her family joins with her in enormous gratitude for all that her friends have given and have been to our loved one. Her “ducks” have each been amazing friends and caregivers in recent weeks, giving her time, and attention, and keeping her spirits up.

Special “ducks”:

Nicky Ayles, best friend, and angel, giving huge support. Light pink duck!

Crystal Morais, “Firecracker”, best friend, and dear supporter. Hot pink duck!

Owen Lynds for his love and support, her long-time rock, for his sense of humour and attending appointments with her. Precious blue duck!

Theresa Weatherbee, for friendship, singing voice and private coaching. Lovely purple duck!

Vicki Devenish, friend, and work colleague. Treasured white duck!

Ellen Venner-Hiltz, for her wisdom. Intelligent yellow duck!

Other dear friends:

Andrew Frelick, for all his music that has given her comfort and joy through the years.

Kevin Davison, for his music, his songs for first responders, playing at her recent party, and providing music for the Celebration of her Life. Deidre his partner.

Matthew and Suzanne Riendeau, for introducing her to Pastor Ben Margeson and Faith City Church, which has given her solace.

Krista Stewart, Stephen Simpson, Isabelle Boulet, Alana Hatfield, Doris Broussard, Wendy McDermaid-Kean, Sharlene Loveys, Robert Titcomb, Tyler Anstey and members of Grateful Warriors support group for those with PTSD. Other dear friends too many to name.

Professional Health Care Providers:

Dr. Kate McAdam, chiropractor, for care of body and soul, along with friendship.

Dr. Janice MacGregor and Dr. Heather Zitner, her long-time family physicians, for their supportive and understanding care.

The Palliative Care Team of QE2.

Dr. Maria Patriquin and members of the R and R group.

Dr. Lynne Poirier and Dr. Spiro Photopoulos, for whom she worked at a walk-in clinic, and for their friendship.

Dr. Kerri Purdy, dermatologist.

Dr. Lisa Dickson, plastic surgeon.

Pharmacy Team at Shoppers Drug Mart, Joseph Howe Drive.

Dr. Dan MacLellan, dentist, and staff.

Tara Field, Counsellor, at Good Grief, Halifax

And, of course, she is deeply grateful to her entire family for all their love and support throughout her life especially during some very difficult times.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Wednesday May 29, 2024 from 5pm-8pm and the Celebration of Eleanor’s Life on Thursday May 30, 2024 1pm at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, Windsor Street. Her ashes will be scattered in favourite places and with loved ones at a later date.

Family flowers only. Eleanor has chosen the charity, Tema Foundation, (www.tema.foundation) as the recipient of any memorial donations, since it provides care for the mental health needs of front line health care workers, such as paramedics, hospital staff, fire fighters, police and military. For them, Eleanor had much respect, understanding the often-traumatic impact of working in these settings.

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Eleanor and her family are grateful for the assistance and care of Cruikshank’s staff, Caroline McQuillan, and Leah Kennedy.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.cruikshankshalifaxfuneralhome com.