Obituary of Mary Young

It is with profound sadness that the family of Mary Young announces her passing on October 27th, 2024. Mary died peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones, at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario.

Mary was born Marvi Lige on October 8, 1937, in Tallinn, the capital of the Republic of Estonia. She was the eldest child of Amalie (Onno) Lige and Joosep Lige. Joosep was a successful entrepreneur who owned and operated multiple food stores in Tallinn. Mary’s family roots trace back to the island of Hiiumaa, often regarded as the ancestral home of the Lige family.

During World War II, Estonia was invaded by Soviet forces, leading the Lige family to flee their homeland in September 1944. They embarked from Hiiumaa in a small, elderly fishing boat with 26 other passengers, braving a severe Baltic storm and leaving behind all their worldly possessions. They first landed in Finland and then found refuge near Gothenburg, Sweden, where they lived from 1944 to 1949.

In 1949, the Lige family immigrated to Canada, settling in Toronto after arriving via Halifax. Mary quickly adapted to her new life, mastering English as her third language (in addition to Estonian and Swedish) and excelling academically at Riverdale Collegiate Institute. It was during her high school years that she met Archibald Morrison Young, whom she married on October 1, 1960, after four years of courtship.

Mary pursued higher education at the University of Toronto (Victoria College), where she earned a degree in psychology and later a Bachelor of Social Work in 1960. These achievements marked the beginning of her lifelong dedication to helping others. Her career began with the Toronto Children’s Aid Society, where she worked as a placement officer for adoptive children, embodying compassion and care in every aspect of her role.

Mary and Archie’s marriage was filled with adventure, laughter, and a shared love for travel and hosting friends. They moved to London, Ontario, in 1970 with their children Adrienne and Jason, but their life took them all over the world. The family spent extended periods living abroad in London (England), Tours (France), and Florence (Italy), experiences that enriched Mary’s linguistic skills and cultural appreciation.

Throughout her professional life, Mary was deeply committed to social work. She held meaningful positions at the London Children’s Aid Society and later at the Department of Social Work at St. Joseph’s Hospital, touching countless lives with her empathy and dedication.

Mary is lovingly remembered by her daughter Adrienne and her husband Bill Spohr, her son Jason, and her cherished granddaughters Charlotte and Katherine, the families of her younger sister, Malle Budd and of her younger brother Peeter Lige, her sister-in-law, Lou Ann Lige (widow of her younger brother Enn), as well as her wonderful friends in London and around the world. Her legacy of kindness, resilience, and love will also live on in the hearts of friends and communities around the world.

Mary’s family invites those who knew and loved her to celebrate her remarkable life. Details of a memorial service will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory can be made to the Landon Branch at London Public Library, reflecting Mary’s lifelong commitment to helping others.