Ann
Merrill
Young
(Coffin)
Peacefully in Toronto, after a stroke curtailed her suffering with arthritis and Alzheimer’s Disease. Born in Ottawa, Ontario, to Laurance and Elizabeth Coffin (née Bartlett) of Ottawa. Proud officer of the Treasury Board and the Canada Council in the 1960s. Beloved wife of distinguished journalist Christopher Young. She married him as a widower with three daughters by his late wife Florence Sirrett, and she loved the girls as her own, then added another to the fold. Ann was predeceased by her eldest daughter Alix (John Briggs), and is survived by daughters Sheila (Orley Smith), Judy Melanson, and Rachel (Matthew McQuillen). She was also predeceased by her brother Tristram (“Ted”) Coffin, his wife Beryl, and their eldest son Tristram (“Tris”). Ted and Beryl’s surviving eight children were an important part of her life until the end. She was known as “Grannie Annie” to her beloved grandchildren Jesse, Ben, and Robin Harnden, Sean Evans, David and Sarah McQuillen Young, and her seven great-grandchildren.
Ann will be remembered for her fierce intellect, love of debate, and infinite supply of opinions. She had a lifelong love of the arts, and brought music and literature into her home. She and Chris enjoyed many happy years and hosted memorable parties at their cottage on Kingsmere Lake in Quebec. Their postings to London and Moscow were highlights of her life, which resulted in lasting friendships and memories. Family and friends are invited to visit on Friday, May 27, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Parish, 151 Laurier Avenue, Ottawa from 11:00 a.m. until 1 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. A reception will follow and will be held at the entrance of the church.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider sending donations in her memory to Ann’s place of spiritual retreat, The Ignatius Jesuit Centre (Loyola House), 5420 Hwy 6 N, Guelph ON N1H 6J2, or to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16th Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M4R 1K8.
To view the funeral Mass, please click on the Photos & Videos page.