Harriet E. Young Obituary (1921 - 2011)

OLD TOWN- Harriet Elna (Kealiher) Young, 90, died in the loving embrace of her family on November 20, 2011, at Orono Commons Maple Unit. Daughter of Lester and Inez (Swazey) Kealiher, Harriet entered the world in Milo, Maine on February 4, 1921 with a zest for life and a desire to make a difference in the world. Harriet was a woman before her time, independent, adventurous, artistic, and an avid reader with a passion for knowledge. She attended art school and spent much of her adult life teaching and inspiring her many students. A prolific artist, Harriet's paintings were sold and exhibited in her studio in Old Town where she also taught for many years. Her family treasures the many pastel, watercolor, and oil paintings she gave to us as well as the family history she wrote in 1992, dedicated to the family "to share with your children and grandchildren and on and on until morning as Peter Pan used to say." She is survived by five children and their spouses, Harold and Mary (Pollard) Young of Clinton, Lester and Janet (McIntosh) Young of Brewer, Wanda (Young) and Richard McKenna of Skowhegan, Devon (Young) and Larry Storman of Orono, and Katherine (Young) AKOA and her husband, Rev.Dr. Francois AKOA-MONGO of Machiasport. Harriet loved and took great pride in her 22 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, and several special nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband of 60 years, Harold Martin Young in 2000; and her sister Agnes (Kealiher) Robbins, and her two brothers Lawrence and Clifton Kealiher. Most of her married years were spent living beside Pushaw Stream in West Old Town, moving with Harold to Penobscot Terrace Apartments in Old Town in their later life. When reflecting back on her life, she loved to refer to memories of her childhood in Milo where she spent a good deal of time swimming in the Sebec River near her home on Albert Street, working in her adult life with her numerous art students, loving times with her grandchildren, and of hours spent with beloved pets, and her constant companion of many years, MissT, her tabby cat. Her family is grateful to the wonderful staff of Orono Commons and Beacon Hospice for the loving care and comfort that they provided. A memorial service for Harriet will be held in the spring. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal, Guilford.