Mary Ellen Young

June 15, 1925 – December 27, 2014

Mary Ellen Young, age 89, passed away due to pancreatic cancer Saturday evening at 7:40pm at her home in La Mesa, CA with her husband of 67 years, Tom Young, son Kevin and caregivers at her bedside with daughter, Kathy and husband Jim arriving within minutes of her passing. A vigil Thursday, January 8th is scheduled from 4:00 to 7:00pm at Conrad Mortuary Chapel in Lemon Grove, CA with rosary at 6:00pm. A funeral Mass and reception will take place Friday, January 9, 2015 at 11:00am at St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Lemon Grove. Graveside services for family will occur at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in San Diego at 3:00pm.

The youngest of 8 children born in her family in Ayrshire, a small farming community in northwest Iowa, Mary Ellen grew up in Cherokee, IA until 14, then moved with her mother and step-father to Phoenix, AZ and later, La Mesa where she graduated from Grossmont High School. Mary Ellen proved to be an exceptional student, organizer and leader. She married Thomas R. Young of La Mesa January 25, 1948. In the 1950s and 1960s she became involved with social, charitable, religious and political groups while keeping the home and raising 3 children. She was a wonderful mother, friend and confidant. Mary Ellen exceeded at entertaining, interior decorating, cooking, designing and tailoring men’s and women’s clothing and children’s costumes. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grand babies, family and friends.

When her husband, Tom, retired in 1979, Mary Ellen decided that they should join a new volunteer group in Old Town, Las Amapolas de Oro (The Golden Poppies), and the Park’s nonprofit cooperating association, Boosters of Old Town (BOOT). Mary Ellen immediately immersed herself into the activities of both organizations, spearheading the first guided tours in Old Town and developing the educational and interpretive programs. She worked as the Publicity Chair, Tour Coordinator, Living History Chair and Costume Committee Chair - she was the very first docent in California to wear period attire. In the 1980s, Mary Ellen was elected to the Board of Directors for the California League of Park Associations (CALPA) headquartered in Sacramento, while still serving as the BOOT President. Shortly thereafter, she was elected as President of CALPA serving for 13 years while establishing and coordinating regional workshops throughout the state. Tom and Mary Ellen were lovingly called the “Old Town Ambassadors” and have held that honor to this day.

At a special reception for then State Parks Director, Major General Anthony L. Jackson, the date of July 31, 2013 was declared “Tom and Mary Ellen Young Day” in the city and county of San Diego!

For 35 years Mary Ellen put her heart and soul into Old Town and into California State Parks. Her heart and soul will remain with family and friends forever.

She is survived by her husband, Tom Young, sister Hazel Downs of Plano, TX, daughter Kathy Kramer and husband Jim of Dana Point, CA, son Kevin Young of La Mesa, 5 grandchildren - Kory Kramer of Corona Del Mar, CA, Kelly Kramer of Pacific Beach, CA and Travis Young, Kristen Young Mendive and Katie Young of Boise, ID. Her 4 great grandchildren include Dylan James Kramer and Gavin Thomas Kramer of Pacific Beach, Claire Marie Kramer of Corona del Mar and Farrah Anne Mendive of Boise. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her son, Curtis Richard Young, November 21, 2012.