ANNISQUAM: Ellen May “Jean” (Davis)Young, 87, passed peacefully at home on Wednesday afternoon, August 14, 2013, following an extended illness. She was the wife of the late Eugene J. “Bud” Young, who died in May of 2001.
Born in Gloucester on June 16, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Winthrop “Bunt” and Carolyn (Smith) Davis. She was a graduate of the Gloucester High School class of 1944.
As an Air Force wife, Jean traveled across the country raising her children while living near or on military bases in Illinois, Georgia, Texas, Maine, and California. The family settled back in Gloucester in 1969. She worked for Silva Brothers Florists in the early 1970’s, and also volunteered at the Annisquam Exchange.
Jean loved swimming in Goose Cove, taking photographs, and gardening. She was also an avid birdwatcher, a hobby she enjoyed with her good friend, the late Ellen Polisson. After her mother, Carolyn, passed, she took over organizing the neighborhood picnics and feeding the seagulls. She loved inviting her friends, neighbors and their children to swim in the cove. She shared a special bond with the late Curtis Murray, whom she thought of as a son.
Jean remained lifelong friends, over 80 years, with Marie Ellery Blanding, Sarah Ann Andrews Hackett and the late Sarah “Sadie” George Thomas, enjoying numerous birthday celebrations, movies, plays, and lunches together. When they were 69 years old, they went on a cross country trip from Gloucester to Seattle in a camper.
She was able to remain in the home she loved with her little dog, Honey, surrounded by her family, friends, and neighbors, due to the extraordinary care she received from her daughter, Rene, her son, Allen, and her wonderful caregivers, Christine Chiccarelli and Bridget Schroeder, and the support of Hospice and Action.
Jean was a sweet and gentle soul who will be greatly missed by all who knew her and loved her.
She is survived by her children, Robert Davis Young, Allen Gene, husband of Wanda (Favaloro) Young, Kristopher Michael Young, Rene K. Young, and her companion, Robert Shinkwin; her beloved grandsons, Niles Young O’Hanley, Dylan Young and Wyatt Young; her sister-in-law, Arlene Moore; many special friends and neighbors including, Winnie Purdy, Grace Murray, Patricia Burleson, Inge Bielous, Barbara Morrill Wilson, and Robert Przygoda; cousins, Tracey Sweeney and Donna Chamberlain; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was also predeceased by her brother, Winthrop “Wimpy” Davis and good friends, Ellen Henderson, Marge McKay, Margaret Sargent and Shirley Leal.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at the Annisquam Village Church, 820 Washington Street on Saturday, September 14th at 10 a.m. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend. Memorials contributions in her name may be made to the charity of one’s choice.