January 26, 1926 – October 25, 2018
Mary Catherine (Vissing) Young, 92, Noblesville, originally of Jeffersonville, Ind., entered eternal life peacefully on October 25, 2018 at 3 a.m., only two days after her 70th wedding anniversary. Her husband, Robert G. Young, Sr. preceded her in passing, after 57 years of marriage, on May 5, 2005. Those of “The Greatest Generation” survived The Great Depression and World War II, and those struggles were the learning tools of their lives. The rationing, patriotism, service, fighting for the greater good, and the never-give-up-even-against-the-worst-odds attitude molded her character and tenacity to stay any course.
Mary was a natural-born nurse, but her daddy would not let her join the service as a nurse. She was a mother, teacher, taskmaster and disciplinarian who was not timid about wielding a stick, or anything resembling a stick when needed. She loved all her children dearly: Sandra (and Tom) Wire, Noblesville; Robert G. Young Jr. (and Debbie), California; Stephen A. Young, Carmel; and Sharon (and John) Hampton, Noblesville; her grandchildren: Mary (and Jeff) Passage, Noblesville, Tom (and Karen) Wire, Jr. Noblesville, Jerry (Gerald and Katy) Wire, Seattle, Wash., Robert G. Young, III (and Hulya), Jessica Young and husband (David Minchaca) of California, and Christine Greene of Idaho, John (and Angela) Hampton, Jr, Noblesville, Anthony (and Lyndsay) Hampton, York, Pa., and Matthew (and Sydney) Hampton, Key West, Fla.; great-grandchildren: Nathan and Ally (twins), and Tricia; Jack and Chloe, Seattle; Taylan of California, Alex of Idaho, and Spencer, Sawyer, Sydney and Sloane of York, Pa. Honorable mentions are: “Family Adopted” Brazilian foreign exchange students, Cris (and Igor) Mizumoto and son Lucas, Daniel (and Camilla) Watanabe, Natalia Martins, and two step-grandchildren Lisa and Matt Schemenauer. Pets: Bookie, Snoopy, Jody, Joe Bird, Chippy and Coco.
Mary Catherine and Bob successfully worked together as husband and wife in the family business of Young Packing Company, making it a great place to work for the employees. Past employees still remark about it being the best place they ever worked, with a wonderful family atmosphere. Mary never said, “I can’t”. She could do the work of two men with one arm tied behind her back.
Mary was a can-do person with many skills and talents, which she applied to her love of golf, fishing, bridge, bunko and games of all sorts. She enjoyed sewing, gardening and entertaining, as she was a gracious hostess. She had a natural gift of rhythm along with great legs and once was invited to audition for the Rockettes. (Her daddy wouldn’t let her do that either.) She was a great dancer and constant toe-tapper. She loved doing for others, having lots of fun, and insisted on lots of laughter. She liked to share her stories of her childhood which were always compelling stories of mayhem. She once shot a policeman (friend of the family) in the nose. Kids told her the gun wasn’t loaded. She took it and safely aimed at the ground and pulled the trigger. The BB hit a rock and ricocheted hitting the policeman. You can’t make this stuff up.
Mary Catherine’s time in Noblesville included being active in Tri Kappa, and volunteering, with two more notable performances. One in the Annual Tri Kappa “Haunted House,” where she was known for her gruesome and scary displays of horror thanks to her “real” props, including bloody aprons from the packing plant. She had a love of the theatrical and never was shy in the limelight. The second notable mention is still talked about 50 years later. Mary was a basketball star at Jeff High and the team captain. With this prowess she ruled on the floor playing “Donkey Basketball.” Riding her donkey down the floor, she made a fantastic one armed hook shot behind her back while holding on to the donkey reigns. As the ball entered the hoop, the crowd rose to their feet and erupted in a roar, cheering the sheer beauty of the perfect shot – nothing but net. It was the talk of the town for years.
While at Jeff High she was crowned Miss Jeff High, as her natural beauty and warm smile were a winning combination. Her enthusiasm for life was contagious and she was willing to infect everyone. Always encouraging others to do their best, with a smile and pat on the back, and if necessary a kick in the rear.
She was a member of St. Rose of Lima in Franklin, Ind., and Our Lady of Grace in Noblesville, being a faithful Catholic from a large family in Jeffersonville. She was predeceased by her parents, William H. and Marietta Vissing, Sr., and her five siblings, brothers: William H. Vissing, Jr., Augustus “Gus” Vissing and Vincent Vissing, and sisters: Rita Ann Gavin, and Rose Marie Scott; and also infant grandchildren: Alex and Stephanie Young.
Two services are scheduled. The first at St. Augustine’s in Jeffersonville with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 24, with a meal following. The second will be a Memorial Mass at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 28 at Our Lady of Grace in Noblesville, with a meal following.
Mary will be greatly missed by her family and all who grew to love her. The family wishes to thank all caregivers who generously served her needs at Westbrooke, Prairie Lakes, and The Lodge. Special thanks to Dr. Dwyer and those at Harbor Manor in her final months.
Arrangements entrusted to A.R.N. Funeral & Cremation Services. Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at arnmortuary.com.
Arrangements
First Service: 10 a.m., Nov. 24
Location: St. Augustine’s, Jeffersonville
Second Service: 10 a.m., Dec. 28
Location: Our Lady of Grace, Noblesville
Condolences: arnmortuary.com