There are few people who made as much of a positive impact on her community as Diana Mae Young. She was much beloved by her family and by her many friends and neighbours in Dowling where she passed, at home as was her wish, in the early hours of August 19, 2022.
Her contributions to her community started with a catering business, launched in her mid 30’s that continued for another 50plus years, only stopping at the age of 82 when a dodgy replacement knee slowed her down. She was an innovator in the kitchen: long before the Food Network was a staple on our televisions, she introduced the residents of the Sudbury area to many international culinary delights far beyond the usual “meat & potatoes” which frankly, she was not a fan. She also provided employment for generations of young women, some of whom went on to careers in the food industry or simple ignited a life long love of creative cooking. In the late 1980’s, she expanded her catering business to include a restaurant, The Green Leaf Cafe in Sudbury which regularly sold out for her special international cuisine nights. Diana loved to cook for others, whether she was entertaining in her home or providing satisfying and interesting meals for hockey banquets of 100 eager eaters, lively weddings for 300 or regular monthly dinners for the local Lions Club or Woman’s Church groups. For her, food truly was love. In her time, she probably prepared over 10,000 meals: that’s a lot of love!
One of her achievements which is not very well known now, is that she actually founded the first local library in Dowling. Shortly after she relocated from Atikokan Ontario in 1968 with her husband and partner, Garth Young and two young children, Cheryl and Brian, she realized that driving to Sudbury to borrow library books was not convenient, and that her children were not going to benefit from ready access to material which would help further their education. And Diana was a firm believer in the power of a good education to move oneself ahead in this world. With the help of a few friends, she got the library funded, found a home for it in the local public school and started ordering books. (Not surprisingly, one of the first books she procured was an edition of “Martha Stewart Entertains”) Eventually, the library was taken over by the municipal government and is still part of Dowling’s community center.
She was a passionate fisherwoman, avid gardener, elegant dresser and caring neighbour. Bonus: she provided homemade doggie treats for her canine buddies. Diana in her prime was renowned for her sewing ability: for at least 5 years she designed and sewed her legendary Halloween costumes for her and Garth. Henry VIII and a headless Anne Boleyn were particularly memorable. To the delight of the neighbour’s children, she had a “Toy Closet” in the front hall that was replenished regularly with toys for all ages.
She was an independent spirit, with her drive and determination to make the best of life for her family and friends. A 1975 feature in the Onaping Falls newspaper, celebrating International Women’s Day, described her as “sensitive, intelligent person who combines the role of woman, mother and wife with harmony”. A wonderful description of a lovely woman who touched so many lives.
A celebration of life is being held at their home as per Diana’s wishes. You are welcome to donate to the local area food bank, FALLS FOOD, a registered charity. Donations can be made to FALLS FOOD 2 Hillside Crescent, Onaping, Ontario P0M 2C0 or on-line at www.canadahelps.org. Arrangements entrusted to the Jackson & Barnard Funeral Home. For donations or messages of condolence www.lougheedfuneralhomes.com.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Diana Mae Young Richert Friday August 19th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Sudbury, Province: Ontario