Emily Mary was born to Frank and Blanche Horinek on June 25th, 1913 in the town of Killam, Alberta. She was the eldest of ten children, nine girls and one very patient brother. Times were tough and when her father's health deteriorated, Emily left school to go to work while her younger brother, Albert took over the responsibilities of the farm and the welfare of his siblings. Lessons learned growing up in these hard times instilled a sense of responsibility and frugality in our mother. While she never complained about not being able to graduate with her friends, Emily made sure her children appreciated the importance of getting an education.

While working as a nurse's aide in Banff, Alberta, Lea, as she was known to family and friends, met the dashing Alexander Young at a dance. Alex was smitten by Lea and they married in 1938. They shared a love of the pristine Banff lakes and mountains. Lea was Alex's most ardent fan when he would don his speed skates and race on the frozen Bow River. They resided in Banff until Alex enlisted in the navy at the outbreak of WWII. After completing his training in Halifax, the young couple moved to Victoria, BC. Jean, Doug and Donna were born during the war years. When Alex went on assignments to the Aleutians or the mainland, Lea relied on skills learned as the eldest of ten children to manage her mischievous and active brood of three. After the war, Patricia, the fourth and last child was born.

Living in Vancouver, Lea was a stay-at-home Mom who deftly managed the finances, her kids, her husband, and her household. She was a wonderful cook whose mouthwatering donuts and cinnamon buns are family legend. Her cooking prowess worked against her when she wanted to eat out and Alex insisted her home-cooked meals were far superior to anything in a restaurant. A skilled seamstress, she later worked part-time as a teacher at Singer Sewing Machine in Burnaby. To supplement the family income, Lea also worked seasonally at the Hudson Bay in the shoe and china departments. She enjoyed the excitement of sales and helping people. Demonstrating food in the supermarkets was another of her favorite jobs. Lea's skill with makeup made her an excellent Avon representative. Her least favorite job was at a large company where she worked the late shift on a conveyor belt with streaming tubs of jellies and potato salad. Just think of Lucille Ball in a hair net and you've got the picture!

Lea was always a good sport. When Alex decided to build a large motor boat in the backyard, Lea went along with it and the Noah jokes. When it was launched, she accompanied him on many fishing trips, this despite getting terribly seasick. She tried every recommended seasickness potion and gimmick, including wrapping brown paper around her middle. When she still got sick she thought maybe she hadn't used enough paper. Later when Alex bought a sailboat, Lea was at his side as first mate. She mastered the wee galley and cooked up feasts when they hosted cruises.

Lea had many hobbies including embroidery, shell art, colorizing old photos, making jewelry, gardening, and painting in watercolor and oils. Her children cherish the many gifts created by her hands. She was an active member of the Royal Purple and became an honorary life member. Lea loved to enter contests. When she correctly guessed the weight of the winning fish in a salmon derby, the prize was a trip to England. Lea and Alex quickly seized the opportunity to sign up for an additional Cook's tour of Europe. They had a blast and met many new friends who were enlisted to help carry Alex's photography equipment, in the days before digital. When they got home, they bought an Airstream at the factory and toured the United States. A couple of trips to Hawaii and a cruise through the Panama Canal rounded out their travels.

After the death of their eldest daughter, Jean, the family convinced Lea and Alex that it was time to move from rural Langley. They relocated to Kamloops and for many years maintained their own place across the street from their son, Doug. Ten years later in 2004, health issues necessitated moving Lea into Overlander Residential Care. Lea resided there for seven years and was overjoyed when Alex came to stay during her second year. To Lea, Overlander was like Club Med - someone cooked, cleaned, and did the laundry while she got to play Bingo and go Bowling. She dressed up for Red Hat Day, got her nails and hair done and went on outings. Lea became expert at piloting her wheelchair and ran off many who wandered too close to her special table with Alex. Lea was a woman of few words. When one of their favorite aides was flirting with Alex, Lea motioned her over and told her, "He's mine." Pretty cute - two 97 year old lovebirds! Lea died on June 13, 2011. She was a feisty, sweet little lady who was adored by many and admired by all for her courage facing daunting medical challenges.

It is hard to mention one without the other: Lea and Alex - joined at the hip - darling and devoted to each other. Our parents were kind, fair, and generous to all. Growing up, our friends were always welcome at our house. The coffee pot was always on and the kitchen was where the action was. They were such good parents that each of their four children felt s/he was the favored child. That says it all.

The Young family would like to acknowledge the superior caregivers and support staff at Overlander who went above and beyond for our parents. To these people, caring for the elderly is not a job but a calling! Little things mean so much - like dolling mom up in scarves, putting on makeup, and coiffing her hair. No wonder she would give a little queenly wave to all who greeted her. Alex, the kidder, always got a laugh when he quipped that he needed vodka to wash down his pills. It never got old. Dr. Sommerville we thank you for all the years of care you gave to Lea and Alex, for your on-site visits, for your calm and patient good humour. Together with our "Angels" at Overlander you contributed to their long lives.

Special friends, Josephina Sterle and Joyce Clary have done so much for Lea and Alex over the years that we regard them as honorary members of the Young Clan. Flowers, cookies, and cards - we always knew the source! Thank you for your love and for sharing our laughter and tears. Hugs to "Buddy" visiting dog extraordinaire, who brings much joy to the residents of Overlander.

Alex and Lea's family rejoice in lives well-lived and the happy memories we've shared. Children: Doug, Donna, Pat, and Sons-in-law Jim and Vernon; Grandchildren: Susan, Alan, Debbie and Grant; Great Grandchildren: Justin, Melissa, Zachary and Simone; and one Great Great Grandchild: Alexia. Predeceased by daughter Jean. Lea has five surviving siblings: Frances, Bessie, Rejeana, Margaret and Lyola.

by Patricia Young