Ernestine B Young

Ernestine B. Young (Marion to her friends) was born in the city of Brno in what was, at the time, Czechoslovakia. 

As a young person she performed in the Czech National Ballet and Opera. He father was a butcher and her grandmother had a vegetable stand in the central market that still operates in Brno today. Marion’s family was ethnically German. At the end of World War II, all the Germans were forced out of Czechoslovakia by government. They were given no warning and had to flee with only what they could carry. This event is referred to as the Brünner Death March. Many died on the forced march out of their homes and into Austria and Germany.

Marion, along with her Mother and little Brother, settled in Vienna where they squatted in an upper floor apartment lacking a roof. After repair, her Mother lived in that apartment for 50 years in a working class section of Vienna. As fate would have, Marion met the love of her life in Vienna. Her husband, David R. Young, landed at Omaha beach during D-Day and fought his way across Europe. At the end of the war, he was a Technical Sergeant with the US Occupying Forces in Vienna. They met at a party. They did not speak the same language. She was 18 and he was 22. They were married in Vienna a year later. There first child, Marion Kathleen Young, was born in Vienna.

Marion loved the military life. She and her husband lived in Japan, Germany, Seattle, San Fransisco, and Paris, where her son, Robert S. Young was born. She particularly enjoyed the four years in Paris where David was assigned to NATO at the US Embassy. In 1964, they  moved to Newport News, Virginia where they would finally put down some roots. David was stationed at Ft. Monroe and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after declining a command position in Vietnam during the war. Marion raised the kids, hosted tea parties, judged gourmet cooking contests, enjoyed a close group of friends, and eventually spent many years working for Colonial Williamsburg. She fed anyone who walked in her house.

February 23, 1986, she lost the love of her life when David passed away after a 2 year battle with cancer. She would never remarry or even consider it. It is no surprise to the family that she died on the exact same day, February 23, exactly 40 years later. They had been together for 40 years.

Marion spent the last 9 years of her life living with her son (Robert) and his family in Webster, North Carolina. She was well cared for by Daughter-In-Law, Leigh Anne Young, and Grandsons Josiah and Finn. She was pleased to watch her grandsons grow into men, and she added so much to the richness of their lives: Christmas cookies, breads, goulash, sauerkraut, music, and a connection to an immediate European heritage. She was also beloved by an extended family of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who frequently visited her and shared caretaking duties. 

She is survived by her son Robert S. Young (Leigh Anne); her son-in-law David Ketchum; her grandchildren Scott Winter (Jessica), Lauri Winter-Freire (Roberto), Lauren Ketchum (Ryan), Josiah Young, and Finn Young; and her great-grandchildren Mateus, Vincent, Luka, Marielle, and Brooks.

Her life was full. She faced tragedy, but still found joy in the simplest of things. She was heartbroken to lose her daughter, Kathy just a few years ago, but she was able to savor the memory and still move forward. She always amazed us. We thought she would live forever.

There are so many friends and neighbors who were kind to Marion. We can’t list them all. Thanks to all of you. The family would like to specifically thank Dr. Roy Gallinger and Mary Stiles for such warm care. Also, Dr. John Buenting and Dr. David LeMay for their care. When you are in your 90s, having caring doctors makes a big difference. Shout out to all the people at Jackson County Meals on Wheels. Many neighbors have helped over the years, but special thanks goes to Diane Schallock who seems to take care of everyone in Webster. Also, special thanks to David Ketchum, who was always there to give the family a break when needed and who did so many wonderful things to make her life easier.

Finally, thanks to the folks in the Harris ICU and Dr. Whitfield for excellent care. And serious thanks to everyone at Skyland Care Center where she lived for the last two weeks. You were amazing.