Polly Jane Young

On Monday, October 6th, 2025, Polly Jane Young, loving mother, grandmother (a.k.a. Momo), sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Polly was born on July 12th, 1956, in Rush City, Minnesota, to James Nelson and Jane Gaver – Otto (formerly Nelson). The family moved to St. Paul when Polly was a child, and in 1974 she graduated from Highland Park High School. Polly worked many years in the printing industry and later joined Rise, a local non-profit, where she worked until her retirement.
Polly was a bright spot for her family, friends, and co-workers. In her younger years while raising her boys, she enjoyed taking them on camping trips and bike rides. Her grandchildren were the light of her life in her later years. She never passed up a snuggle or an opportunity to get their "piggers" (toes) when they were little. She attended as many school or sporting events as she could, however, she had an affinity for their hockey games as she was also a big MN Wild fan. Polly was known for her kind and warm heart and her commitment to her loved ones. She took on guardianship of her brother, John, and worked tirelessly to get him good care and services. She was John's rock.
She is survived by two sons, David Young (Mackenzie) and Joshua Young; three grandchildren, Grayson (10) and Geneveive (7) Young, Ethan (19) Young; brothers, Bob (Lynn) Nelson and John Nelson; nephew, Aaron Cohen; nieces, Karissa Nelson and Kacie Nelson; and great-nephew, Ryker Nelson.
Polly was preceded in death by her father, James P. Nelson; mother, Jane P. Gaver-Otto; sister, Sally Cohen; grandparents, Carl and Lucille Gaver, and Waldemar and Margaret Nelson.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to New Perspectives – Woodbury, and to special family friends, Peggy McCall-Griffin and Gail Young for the support and compassionate care provided to Polly in her final days.
The family will celebrate Polly's life and legacy with friends and the public at a later date. They will share details when available.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials in Polly's name to the American Cancer Society or The Phoenix Residence, Inc. (John's residential program). Donation links are listed below. Thank you for considering.
https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=honormemorialmedia&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaignid=21603275924&utm_adgroupid=169792393161&utm_keyword=american%20cancer%20society&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21603275924&gbraid=0AAAAAD2heeeDBGmQ_leCepW-75hQckQQL&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3aLHBhDTARIsAIRij5-q9y5khHM4AmDCazcNAJJdB_PCMQV45OX70ssJ2hn99bg3QaPS-z8aAtrbEALw_wcB
https://www.phoenixresidence.org/give/donate.html