Aileen Young

Aileen Minnie Young (nee Hewitt)

Peacefully on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at Douglas Campbell Lodge, Aileen Young passed away at the age of 93.

Aileen was predeceased by her parents Charles and Edith Hewitt, husband Andrew, daughters Lynda Young and Phyllis Enns-Struthers, and sister Dorothy Hewitt.

Left to cherish her memory are her sister Shirley Jorgenson, her children, Chuck (Barb), Jim (Linda), Grace, David (Nadine), sons-in-law John Morgan and Steve Struthers, grandchildren Daryn (Kathy) Young, Jenn (Bernard)Ageeb, Tracey Enns, Aaron (Amanda) Young, Jared (Amy) Young, Dana (Murray Cairns) Young, Alison Young, Jay (Liz) Harrison, and Nicholas Harrison. Great-grandchildren Kianna, Renee and Jacob, Josh and Zach, Zara, Reily and Keanna, Emily, Olivia, Taylor and Logan, and Caden, Zac and Mariah, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Aileen was born August 30, 1922 to Charles and Edith Hewitt in Loverna, Saskatchewan. Aileen grew up on the farm, and while her sisters preferred to be out helping their Dad with the chores, Aileen took pride in helping in the house, starting a life long career as a homemaker.

Aileen briefly resided in Ontario where she was employed as a shop keeper while caring for an aunt. She returned to Alberta to attend Olds College, where she took Home Economics. A chance meeting on a train led to Aileen meeting and eventually marrying Andrew Young on November 23, 1946.

The couple settled in Portage la Prairie where Andy began Portage Plains Nursery in 1946. Aileen spoke of hard years when flooding of Crescent Lake meant walking supplies across flood waters to the road, the loss of their home to fire and struggles with weather. She also retold years of hard work planting, grafting, running a bedding plant stand and helping Andy late into the night filling orders.

They raised six children, Lynda, Chuck, Phyllis, Jim, Grace and David. Aileen's family was extremely important to her, and she cherished the large family gatherings where she had all of her children surrounding her. The last large family gathering took place in 2013 in Ontario and Aileen, at the age of 91, flew down to ensure she could be a part of it. The arrival over the years of grandchildren and later on, great-grandchildren, was a source of pride and happiness for Aileen. Extended family was also very important, with Aileen staying in close touch with the 'Alberta and Ontario family' and ensuring that anyone coming to Manitoba stopped in for a visit, and arranged visits for any family heading east or west. Aileen instilled this importance of family within her children and grandchildren as well.

Aileen devoted many hours to volunteering and was involved in several organizations including Eastern Star, Rebekahs, Meals On Wheels, Portage Horticultural Society, and as a senior, drove the ‘older’ ladies around to appointments and for errands.

Aileen’s passion for crafts led to many hours spent crocheting turtle mops and clowns that have travelled and been enjoyed in several countries around the world.  She shared this passion with her grandchildren and great grandchildren at every opportunity.

Memorial Service will be held on Monday, April 25th at 1:00 pm at Trinity United Church, led by Rev. Julie Baker.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity United Church Memorial Fund, 15 Tupper Street South, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba R1N 1W7 or a donation of your choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com