Mary Young

Mary Young passed away peacefully at age 94. While born in San Francisco, California, she spent her childhood in rural China growing and selling produce for her family. Mary was no stranger to poverty and hunger. Her humble beginnings developed an unmatched strength and character that many admired. She persevered…upward and onward under many adversities!

At age 19, Mary reunited with her older sisters and started working in San Francisco factories. At 25, she married Herbert Young of Visalia, California. Inclusive of raising her five children, Mary wore many hats for fifty years in the family grocery business, from kitchen help to management. Aside from being a hard worker, she loved to cook, sew and socialize.

For the countless ways she touched the lives of those around her, Mary will be remembered for her loving spirit. She had a natural gift of connecting, understanding and compassionately caring for others. Mary’s friends were special to her. At parties, she was the delightful social butterfly. She always enjoyed big celebrations. Mary was quite a cook, often preparing special dishes to feed dozens. Naturally, she used her “green thumb” to grow and share fruits and vegetables from her yard. You would be invited to have a cup of tea, an Asian treat, or a delicious meal in her home. After any visit, plans were made for future visits. When she visited you, of course she never came empty handed!

You could never find a friend who valued integrity, honesty, generosity and wisdom more than Mary. Stories from family and friends are filled with emotion and passion. She loved well and was dearly loved.

Mary was greeted in heaven by those she loved: husband, Herbert Young, and son, David Young; as well as her older siblings, Helen Wong, Margie Lowe and Howard Gong. She is survived by children, Joann Nemmer, Barbara Young-Siegel, Janice Brandli, Alan Young; six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

As we celebrate her life, Mary (a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, relative, and friend) will be dearly missed. May she rest in peace and loving care.