Viviane Young

1934 - 2021

Viviane Young
November 13, 1934 - November 15, 2021
Resident of Aptos
Viviane Young passed peacefully into eternal life on November 15th, 2021 at the age of 87. She was born Viviane Helleux in St. Aubin du Cormier, a small town in western France. Her father was a chairmaker, and her mother not only helped in the business, but also raised 15 kids in the era of World War II. Every Sunday, her mother marched her large brood off to the village church, in order by size, all wearing their finest, including white gloves. The challenging conditions of Viviane's early life contributed to her strong and brave nature, which was marked by self-sufficiency, competency, equanimity and concern for the well-being of others. As a young and adventurous woman, she came to America to work as an au pair for a prominent Boston family. During that time she met Donald Young, a graduate student; and they enjoyed each other's company so well that he was able to persuade her to marry him and stay in America. The couple were betrothed in a beautiful ceremony in Paris. In the coming years, they had three children— Marie-Michelle, Jeff and Mike. Donald came to Aptos in 1964 to teach English at Cabrillo College, a career he enjoyed for many years. Viviane was able to raise a family while at the same time pursuing her education at Cabrillo College and UC Santa Cruz, which was no small feat! After her kids left home, she worked as an administrative assistant at UC Santa Cruz. In retirement, Viviane and Donald travelled the world and had great fun together.
After Donald passed away at age 94, Viviane battled cancer and Alzheimer's disease, with courage and dignity. While dementia deprived her of much of her memory, it sharpened her recall of her early life in France, which included some great stories, such as the time her parents made all the kids wear homemade wooden clogs, so they could give up their shoes to refugees fleeing the German invasion of France. She also told us of hearing the Allied bombing on D-day and of the Resistance communication station that was hidden in the family's attic. Even in her final days, Viviane continued to be more concerned about her family's welfare than in her own deteriorating medical condition. Viviane Young will always be remembered as a woman of integrity, a practical woman who "got things done" and, most of all, as someone who put others before self. She was the embodiment of French grace, and guests in her home always felt like they belonged there. She will forever be a source of inspiration for those who knew and loved her. She has gone home to be with those she loved and lost— her husband, her mother and father and her many brothers and sisters.


View the online memorial for Viviane Young