Almonte mourns loss of celebrated artist and community builder Noreen Young

Beloved Canadian puppeteer and Almonte native, Noreen Young, has passed away at the age of 85.

A masterful puppet builder and renowned puppeteer for over 50 years, Young became nationally known for the CBC children’s show, Under the Umbrella Tree. In 1995, Noreen was invested as a Member of the Order of Canada, an honour which recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. 

“It is with sincere sadness that I learned of the passing of Noreen Young late last week,” Mayor Christa Lowry said in a media release. “Noreen was a national gem but nowhere was she more beloved than here, in Mississippi Mills.”  

Lowry called Young “a local ambassador of arts and culture in our community,” noting that it was she who spearheaded the Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival.

“Many of the murals that dot Almonte’s downtown core were designed and painted by Noreen, who was instrumental in realizing the public art project,” the mayor explained. “In addition to her contributions to the arts and culture scene in our community, Noreen was keen to share her knowledge and talents serving on the municipal arts and culture advisory committee and the community and economic development committee.”  

Lowry said Young’s legacy will live on through the Puppets Up! Festival, and “we will remember her  with a smile every time a puppet makes an appearance at a local event or when walking by the bronze monument of Gloria Gopher, who she portrayed on Under the Umbrella Tree, that resides along the Alameda.”  

Lowry said the flag in front of the municipal offices will be lowered.

“This is a gesture of respect for Noreen, who has contributed in many ways to our municipality, our community and the country of Canada. 

“Please keep Noreen’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”