Mary Catherine Young

Mary Catherine (Vissing) Young,
92, of Noblesville, IN, and originally of Jeffersonville, IN, entered eternal life peacefully on October 25, 2018 at 3AM, only 2 days after her 70th wedding anniversary. Her husband, Robert G. Young, Sr. preceded her in passing, after 57 years of marriage, on 05-05-05. Those of "The Greatest Generation" survived The Great Depression and WW 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; Robert G. Young, III (and Hulya); Jessica Young and husband (David Minchaca), California; and Christine Greene, Idaho; John (and Angela) Hampton, Jr, Noblesville; Anthony (and Lyndsay) Hampton, York, PA; and Matthew (and Sydney) Hampton, Key West; great-grandchildren: Nathan and Ally (twins), and Tricia; Jack and Chloe, Seattle; Taylan, California; and Alex, Idaho; and Spencer, Sawyer, Sydney, and Sloane, York, PA. Honorable mentions are: "Family Adopted" Brazilian foreign exchange students, Cris (and Igor) Mizumoto and son, Lucas; Daniel (and Camilla) Watanabe; and Natalia Martins; and 2 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 2 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, Franklin, IN, and Our Lady of Grace, Noblesville, IN, being a faithful Catholic from a large family in Jeffersonville, IN. She was predeceased by her parents, William H. & Marietta Vissing, Sr.; and her 5 siblings: brothers, William H. Vissing, Jr., Augustus "Gus" Vissing, and Vincent Vissing; 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, IN, with a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, Nov. 24th at 10 AM with a meal following. The second will be a Memorial Mass at Our Lady of Grace in Noblesville on Friday, Dec. 28th at 10 AM 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 Wellbrooke, Prairie Lakes, and The Lodge. With special thanks to Dr. Dwyer and those at Harbor Manor in her final months.

In liew of flowers, donations may be made to: EWTN, the Eternal Word Television Network, or Catholic Radio Indy at http://www.catholicradioindy.org/ Thank you in advance for your gift.