Valeria O Young

She grew up in Hungary with her father, mother and sister until at the age of 17, on March 17, 1945, she was forced to leave her family because of the advancing Russian occupation in WWII. Her father served as Mayor of various towns in Hungary and she had several Uncles in high level military and government positions. After leaving home, she spent many months walking hundreds of miles across Europe, enduring horrible conditions and just trying to stay alive. She ended up in Heidelberg, Germany which was under the control of the United States at the end of the war.

In Heidelberg she met an American soldier, Private First Class Joseph W. Young, and they were married on January 25, 1947. They were married for over 20 years and had four children, Leslie, Gizelle, Stephen and William. The marriage ended in divorce. She faced many challenges as a war bride coming to America. War brides were not always welcomed and there was the language barrier. She was determined to learn English and become an American citizen. On June 6, 1951 she became a naturalized U.S. citizen, something she was always very proud of.

Val held many jobs over the years; working in a thermometer factory when she first came to the United States, working as a real estate agent for many years, as a property manager and then as a nurse’s aide retiring from Willow Point Nursing home.

She was a wonderful artist, crafter and cook. She made clothes for her children and for herself, did all types of crafts, painted and drew beautiful pictures on paper, canvas, t-shirts and in recent years on canvas shopping bags as well as many other items. She made many, many wedding cakes for brides and grooms across the triple cities as well as cakes for all occasions. She also taught cake decorating classes for many years. Her cakes were works of art and it was amazing to see what she could create out of frosting and fondant. Not only were they beautiful, but they tasted delicious as well!

Val will be remembered most of all for the beautiful, strong and spiritual person that she was. She was a very devoted member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church for over fifty years. Father Mark was not only her Rector, but her very special, caring friend. She was the anchor for her family and loved us all unconditionally. She was always there with words of kindness and understanding and to just listen when we needed her to. She loved spending time with her family, especially Saturday mornings when they would all come have breakfast and spend time with her. Her passing has left a tremendous void in all of our lives; we miss her and love her so very much.

Val is survived by her children, Leslie Rescinetti of Endicott, NY, Gizelle (Ron) Turley of Olathe, Colorado, Stephen (Jocelyn) Young of Grand Junction, Colorado and William Young (Stephanie Hrehor) of Endicott, NY. Grandchildren Mandy (Troy) Black, Ricky Resciniti (Jessica Staniec), Brittany (Justin) Distel, Sean (Katie) Turley, Haley Turley (Ryan Reed), Andrew and Nicole Young and Olivia Young. Great grandchildren Joshua, Ryan and Kaitlyn Black; Caiden and Kyler Distel; Sawyer and Sebestyen Turley. Val was preceded in death by her parents and her sister.

A memorial service will be held on August 7, 2023 at 11:00am at St Mark’s Episcopal Church in Chenango Bridge, NY.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.WmRChase.com for the Young family.