Edith V. Young

Falmouth-Edith V. Young passed away peacefully, at her daughter’s home with family by her side on August 21, 2022. Edith was born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on September 12,1927, the daughter of Clifton and Edith Campbell. After the death of her mother, she was brought up by her Aunt Mary (Campbell) Sherman in Edgecomb with her cousins, Jeanette and Mildred, in a warm and loving home.

After graduation from North Yarmouth Academy, Edith moved to Boston to live with her father, working and graduating from Bryant and Stratton Commercial School. They returned to Maine in 1948 where she later married Nathan Young and settled in Portland.

Edith worked for many years in the law and executive departments of Maine Central Railroad. She graduated from the University of Southern Maine, and in 1980 volunteered in the Peace Corps, teaching English for two years at a high school in Maun, Botswana. Following her service in the Peace Corps she taught in Beaumont, Texas and on a Navajo reservation in Arizona. In 1984 she returned to Maine to be with her family and live with her daughter Aileen, helping care for her twin grand-daughters. While in the Augusta area, she continued teaching English as a Second Language to adult students.

After the death of her eldest daughter Aileen in 1990, she and a friend established a grandparents’ support group that worked with the Maine legislature and achieved passage of a law expanding grandparents’ rights regarding visitation with their grandchildren. She was a compassionate listener and support for many suffering grandparents.

Volunteerism and giving back to her community were a priority for Edith throughout her long life. She was a Sunday school teacher for many years and during the 1960s served at The Gate, a hangout in downtown Portland for young people. She served as a faithful volunteer at the Preble Street Soup Kitchen for nearly 20 years, and was a member of Deering Center Community Church, assisting the church secretary to prepare church bulletins. She was a member of the Cumberland County Retired Educators Association, and when wintering in Florida volunteered with the Rockin Readers program.

Another significant passion in Edith’s life was traveling. She was always ready for an adventure and not afraid to explore the world on her own. While serving in the Peace Corps she traveled to Table Mountain in South Africa, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and explored the Kalahari Desert. She traveled to Egypt, various countries in Europe, Mexico, and returned many times to her birthplace, Prince Edward Island.

Edith’s most rewarding and greatest contribution has been the support she has given her grandchildren over the years. She gave them guidance and strength and treasured her time with them. She glowed with pride when she got to witness her grand-daughters be the wonderful mothers they are today. And for her, great-grandchildren were frosting on the cake.

Edith is survived by Aileen’s twin daughters, Lynne Ashminov and husband Chris, and great-grandsons Remi, Aren and Elan;

Jessica Bishop and husband Chandler, and great-grandchildren Brennan and Greta. Daughter Janice Keeley and husband Stephen, and grandchildren Jack, Jonathan, Briana Wood and husband Craig and great-granddaughter Caroline. Daughter Jill Young and grandson Brayden.

The family is thankful to Comfort Keepers of Scarborough, in particular to her caregiver Mitzi, who provided invaluable services to Edith and her family during this most difficult time. Heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Southern Maine for their compassionate support and expertise as well.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, September 1, from 4-7 p.m. at A.T. Hutchins funeral home 660 Brighton Ave, Portland.

Funeral services will be held on Friday September 2, at 10:00 a.m. at Deering Center Community Church, 4 Brentwood Street, Portland.

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