Elaine C. Young

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Elaine C. Young, who peacefully left this world on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the age of 91, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 5, 1933, in Greenleaf, WI, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend who left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Elaine married the love of her life, Richard Young, in October of 1956, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, faith, and family. As a dedicated homemaker, she poured her heart into raising her five children, creating a warm and welcoming home where everyone felt loved. She had an extraordinary gift for hospitality-always going out of her way to make people feel welcome.
Elaine obtained a technical degree in clerical work, but her true passion was caring for her family and helping others. A devoted member of the Catholic Church, she found great joy in being involved in church activities, always lending a helping hand wherever needed. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith were the foundation of her life. Elaine was an incredible baker, filling her home with the sweet aroma of homemade treats that brought joy to so many. Most importantly, she was the meaning of unconditional love and dedication when she became the caregiver for her late husband, Richard, during his battle with Parkinson's and Rheumatoid Arthritis. She cared for him with unwavering devotion and grace, the true essence of love and commitment.
Elaine's legacy lives on through her children: Ann (Tim) Sullivan of Luxemburg, Dan (Jill) Young of De Pere, Tony (friend Robin) of Washington Island, Kathy (Jay) Waino of Suamico, and Andy (Kari) Young of Oconomowoc. She was a cherished grandmother to Tel (Tina) Sullivan, Hannah (Cody) Vanderbloemen, Rick (Sarah) Young, Amanda (Tyler) Brimmer, Joe (Erin) Young, Connor (Sara) Clarksen, Matt Young, Ben (Laura) Young, Mikko (Brenna) Waino, Allie Waino, Cooper Young, and Addison Young. Her great-grandchildren, Stetson, Leah, Seth, Jude, Adah, Brooks, Nash, Eva, Jocelyn, Audrey, Charlotte, Braydon, and Sydney Jane, brought her immense joy.
Elaine is survived by her loving brothers and sisters: Fran (Laverne) DeCleene, Mary (Bob) Young, Caroline Nooyen, Rose (Paul) Vandervest, Joe (Patty) DeCleene, and Donna (Joe) Martzahl; sisters-in-law, Gloria (Pat) Kennedy, Lynn DeCleene, and Sherri DeCleene, along with Richard's family, numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
She is now reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Richard; her parents, Ellsworth and Ludmila (Kabat) DeCleene; her brothers & sisters, Don DeCleene, Delores Blackowicz, Sr Cheryl DeCleene, Howard DeCleene, Bernard DeCleene; daughter-in-law, Jane Young; her nephews, Nathan and Jonathan DeCleene; and her brothers-in-law, Bob Blackowicz and Roger Nooyen.
Elaine's life was a testament to love, faith, and selflessness. Her warmth, laughter, and unwavering kindness will be deeply missed but never forgotten. As we say goodbye, we find comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, embraced in the arms of her beloved Richard and her Heavenly Father.
A Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 9:00am-11:00am, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 3425 Willow Rd, Green Bay, with mass to follow. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Elaine's memory.
Family would like to thank Unity Hospice and Oak Park Place for their kindness and caring compassion during this time.