Send Flowers
Obituaries

Catherine M. Young

05/14/1917 - 07/31/2009

Text:

Obituary For Catherine M. Young

Catherine (Cronin) Young, 92 of Rockland, passed peacefully on July 31, 2009 with her children at her side. Daughter of a copper miner, Catherine was born in Jerome, Arizona to the late Dennis and Mary Cronin. After moving back east the Catherine was raised and educated in Waltham. Some of her fondest childhood memories were playing Softball for Waltham High, serving as playground instructor at Banks School, tagging along with her older brothers Fran and Dennis in their adventures of playing football and building a plumbing business. She cared for her younger brother John often taking him to the playground and hooking his trousers to the fence so she could play one more baseball game. “If Mar Cronin only knew!�

After graduating from Boston Business School, Catherine went to work in the accounting department at Waltham Watch Company. She watched many her classmates go off to war and some never returned but she keep their memories alive with her stories about how wonderful her classmates were who never returned.

She visited Brant Rock one summer and met her future husband, J. Richard Young. After meeting Catherine, Richie was instantly “sweet on her� and would drive to Waltham by back roads to visit her as the highway did not exist. She moved to Rockland after marrying J. Richard Young and they became a team. Catherine lived and entertained there for 67 years at the Young family home.

Catherine always maintained an open door policy for all her friends. It was common for Catherine to set an extra place at the table for old or new friends who just dropped by. Catherine and her husband Richard had the pleasure to entertain many over the years, Yankee great “Jump in� Joe Duggan, (Babe Ruth roommate), Chief of the Wampanoag Nation, State Representatives and Senators and their childhood friends were some that dined with them at their home. Catherine would often have lunch with her husband Richard and Ted Williams at the Tamarack in Lakeville and talked about baseball.

Catherine and her husband funded one of the Pony leagues for years as funding was cut. She would serve as equipment manager, chauffeur, assistant manager and often filled in as coach. She provided an opportunity for many young boys to enjoy baseball. Many of her players went to Vietnam and never returned home. Her fondest memories were not of winning every game but getting the boys to the field on time, win, lose or draw everone played. She would drive her beach wagon with the tailgate down and the Rockland boys would jump on the tailgate with cleats dragging producing sparks all the way to Memorial field. In later years, she helped her husband scout talent for the Chicago Cubs. They provided many an opportunity for many local talent to get a tryout at the major league level.

While raising her family she established Young’s Real Estate Company in 1942. As one of the first female brokers on the South Shore she built and brokered homes and assisted many WWII Veterans to purchase their first homes. We fondly remember the story about dad telling us that he came home from work one day and almost drove by the house because Catherine purchased a two bay garage across town and had it moved to their yard the same day.

Always active member of the community, Catherine served on many boards and committees. She enjoyed the finance committee and was a life long Democrat. As Rockland’s first woman selectman, she was known for her openness in government and her desire to help the people of Rockland. She was an advocate at the state level for the CEDA program which brought many jobs to Rockland citizens. “She was always there for you�.

She enjoyed everyday without compliant and traveled well into 80’s. She traveled around the country and her favorite locations were North Conway New Hampshire, San Diego California, Jerome Arizona, and her trips to Washington D.C. She loved her mountain camp as she would call it in North Conway. Some of her fondest memories was taking boats rides and touring around town the south shore in a convertible well into her late 80’s. One of her last trips, to Washington she happened to stay in the same hotel as the Prime Minister of Zaire and after a few days when they would be clear the lobby for him to make his way to the elevator, he soon realized Catherine was there and he would wait until she was escorted first. She would laugh as her daughter would whisper to her “Catherine Young Rockland’s First Women Selectman is coming thru so clear the way!�.

Catherine is survived by her children, Mary Eva Young of Rockland, Dr. John R. Young of Rockland, and Anne (Young) Malewicz , son-in-law Peter Malewicz, and grandchildren Peter and John Malewicz of Duxbury. One of nine children, she is survived by her brother and sister-in-law John and Hazel Cronin of Waltham and many nieces and nephews. She is survived by many friends and loved ones especially by the beloved Judith Richards, Mary Ellen Welch, June MacDonald Donnelly, Christine Murphy and family, June O’Connell Famularo and family whose continues prayers and frequent visits provided comfort and joy in her golden years.

A Funeral will be held from the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home, 135 Union St. ROCKLAND on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at 10:00 AM. A Funeral Mass will follow in Holy Family Church at 11:00 AM. Burial will be in Holy Family Cemetery. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 from 2-5 and 7-9 PM. Donations may be made to the Rockland Friends, P.O. Box 514 Rockland, MA 02370.

Services

4 Aug

Visitation

14:00 PM - 17:00 PM

Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home 135 Union Street Rockland, MA 02370 Get Directions »
5 Aug

Interment

Holy Family Cemetery 92 Centre Ave Rockland, MA Get Directions »
5 Aug

Funeral Service

11:00 AM

Holy Family Church 403 Union St. Rockland, MA Get Directions »
5 Aug

Reception

12:45 PM

Rockland Golf Course 276 Plain Street Rockland, MA Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

Photos & Video

Add New Photos & Video

Condolences

  • 05/25/2021

    JIM DAY

    Anne,I'm so sorry to here about your mom,my condolences to you and the whole Young famley

  • 05/25/2021

    June Famularo

    Anne, John and Mary Eva: What great childhood memories I have of spending time with your family. Your mom was quite a lady (my second mom)and I will always remember her kindness and generosity. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Love, June, Rich and Danielle

  • 05/25/2021

    The Flood family

    Anne & family, Were so sorry, your in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

  • 05/25/2021

    Karen and Richard Gottlieb

    Dear Anne. richard and I both offer our deepest condolences to you and your family. Your mother was an amazing women.

  • 05/25/2021

    Dennis Burns

    Dear John and family, I am sorry to hear about your mother. I had shared time of conversation with her and will miss her also. Our prayers are with you all. My sympathy to you, Dennis Burns

  • 05/25/2021

    Christine Murphy

    Never without a smile, her fun and animated sense of humor, and an offer to sit down at the kitchen table and have something to eat, she always made you know how welcome you were in her home. I have so many wonderful memories of Mrs. Young and of being a part of 68 Payson Ave. All the shopping excursions where we would come home and show Mr. Young our "bargains" and she would add something to her "gift selection" upstairs. There did not need to be an occasion, she always had a gift on hand, ready for anybody who might stop by or who just might need it. She lived her life that way, ready to be of service and help somebody when the needed it. She touched so many lives. My love and condolences to Anne, John and Mary Eva. You are each a tribute to her love, humor, and generosity.

  • 05/25/2021

    Tom and Marilyn Murphy

    We were sad to hear the news of your Mom. I am very proud to say Catherine was a part of my life for many years. She was always the type of woman that without a doubt would bring a smile to my face. I wish I had a dollar for every time she would tell me to sit down, relax and stay awhile. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Tom, Marilyn and Family

  • 05/25/2021

    Pam Murphy

    John, Mary Eva and Anne: You guys should be so very proud of the way you stood by her side and took care of your Mom during her long struggle. Never to let us down - Catherine was a fighter right up until the end. We all have great memories of her. I was fortunate enough to be able to follow in her footsteps as a Selectwoman and she stood by me, encouraging and enlightening me all the way. I will never forget your Dad teasing her about being on the Board, which he fondly refered to as the Gong Show! Many a laugh and many a smile were shared by so very many at 68 Payson Avenue. Our family was so very fortunate to have been a part of that. Lots of Love, Pam

  • 05/25/2021

    Bill and Brenda Flynn

    TO THE MEMBERS OF THE YOUNG FAMILY MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO YOU ALL ON THE PASSING OF CATHERINE. SHE WAS A GREAT LADY AND RELENTLESS FIGHTER ON BEHALF OF ALL OF THE CITIZENS OF ROCKLAND AND WAS ALWAYS PROMOTING THEIR BEST INTERESTS DURING HER DISTINGUISHED CAREER AS A SELECTWOMAN AND AS A PRIVATE CITIZEN. THE TOWN OF ROCKLAND WAS BLESSED TO HAVE CATHERINE AND HER LATE HUSBAND ,RICHARD,AS TRUE ACTIVISTS ON BEHALF OF THE TOWN OF ROCKLAND FOR SO MANY YEARS. MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE. RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED BILL AND BRENDA FLYNN

  • 05/25/2021

    Patrick M Philie

    Dear Mary,John, Ann and all of Catherines family.I just recieved the news about your Moms passing and send sincere wishes at this sad time from myself and my wife Laurie.Your Mom was one of a kind,one of the most kindest gentlest and generous souls i shall ever know.Her and Richards kindness to my entire family through the years i will never ever forget.Though i am like a fish out of water in most homes i go i always felt completely at home when i entered the warmth and kindness of 68 Payson Ave as i felt that same warmth last year when myself and my Brother Billy visited.I will never forget how your Mom and Dad persuaded and helped my Dad Albert Philie in his first and only election bid for Rocklands Highway Superintendent circa 1969.I will also never forget how Catherine & Richard Young helped my whole family by giving us affordable rent when we were down and out as a family and needed it most.I will never forget how my family is better because we had the honor and privelege of knowing The Young Family...My deepest heartfelt condolences...Patrick M Philie

  • 05/25/2021

    Kevin Flanagan

    John, Sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. Your Dad and Mom were very influential to me growing up. She will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Kevin

  • 05/25/2021

    Charlene Tanzi-Evans

    Dear Dr. Young and Family, I want to express my sincere condolences. I know that the days ahead will be tough but hopefully you will find comfort in all the fond memories that you have of your Mother. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sincerely, Charlene Tanzi-Evans

  • 05/25/2021

    Thomas Hannigan

    Catherine was one of a kind, May she rest in peace.

  • 05/25/2021

    Tom Hastings

    Catherine,you will always have a special place in my heart for all the great memories I have and the laughs we have shared.Any business success I have had,I owe in large measure to you for your unwavering support and unbridled enthusiasm.My life was made better by knowing you and your family. Love,Tom

  • 05/25/2021

    Rodney R. Welch & Family

    Catherine was a wonderful woman. She was always caring and thoughtful. She enriched everyones life she touched, truely. I thank her for appointing me a Rockland Police Officers 29 years ago. Her family should be very proud of her as she was of each of them. She will be missed very much. Our thoughts and prays go out to you. Rodney Welch & family

  • 05/25/2021

    Stephen & Gail Murphy

    John, Anne & Mary Eva ~ Sorry for the loss of your Mother ! lot's of love ox Stephen , Gail, & Family

  • 05/25/2021

    william ackerly

    Dear John, Mary, Ann,and family, My deepest sympathy in the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. I have lots of wonderful memories of your Mom. She was a loving, giving, and caring person. I just learned that she passed away. Now she is in heaven with her beloved Richard. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, William Mencer-Ackerly ( Billy)

Add a Candle or Spiritual Image

Click below to add to your message.