Ellen Mar Lai Young

Ellen Mar Lai Young, beloved wife and mother, died peacefully at her San Francisco home on January 12, 2026. She was 79 years old.

Born in China on November 5, 1946 to father Kin Leung Yung and mother Yuet Sau Yuen, Ellen and her family (including her brother and two sisters) escaped to Hong Kong when she was a young child. They immigrated to the U.S. (Hawaii) in 1963, where Ellen graduated from high school in 1965. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 1969 from the University of Central Arkansas.

In the early 1970s, Ellen moved to San Francisco. There she met her future husband, Dexter Young, in 1975. After a brief courtship, they married on April 10, 1976. They had two children, son Elliott and daughter Jessica. They became members of Golden Gate Christian Church in San Francisco.

Ellen was employed as a registered nurse for many years. She eventually became self-employed, engaged in various entrepreneurial activities.

She is survived by her husband Dexter, son Elliott and his wife Grace, and by daughter Jessica.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.