Celebrating the Life of Noreen Young: A Skilled Puppeteer Whose Art Bring Pleasure Across the Ages
Lively Revisit: Noreen Young, the Unforgettable Puppeteer
Say goodbye to Noreen Young, the masterful puppeteer behind Gloria Gopher from "Under the Umbrella Tree," who passed away on April 18 at the age of 85.
Hailed by the arts community as a legendary storyteller and innovator, Young electrified audiences with her knack for bringing puppets to life and providing jaw-dropping entertainment.
Christa Lowry, Mayor of Mississippi Mills, expressed deep sorrow upon learning about Young's demise.
"Noreen left an indelible mark on our nation, but she was particularly cherished right here in Mississippi Mills," Lowry wrote on the municipality's official website.
Young was more than just a local art ambassador. She donned the hats of both the Municipal Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and Community and Economic Development Committee member in the area. She even adorned the downtown's core with her stunning murals, a joyous public art project.
Young's career spanned over several decades, taking her from another CBC show, "Hi Diddle Day," where she enchanted us all with the illustrious Mrs. Gertrude Diddle, to her involvement in "Sesame Street's" Canadian counterpart, "Sesame Park."
Linda Seccaspina, a Carleton Place resident and councillor, admitted to being an ardent fan of Young and her enchanting puppets.
"I was over the moon when my home on Lake Avenue East (Springside Hall) was featured in the opening of 'Hi Diddle Day,'" she shared. "Following my youngest son's departure, I devoted his room to a puppet shrine in honor of Noreen, and her memory remains etched in the essence of my soul."
The truly exceptional Noreen Young was the creator and artistic director of Almonte's renowned Puppet's Up! International Puppets Festival, which ran annually from 2005 to 2016 before being rebooted in 2022. This multiday event offered a smorgasbord of puppet shows, parades, and puppet-themed vendors. Young had a knack for inviting global puppet troupes to exhibit their talents in Almonte.
"The festival was set up to boost the downtown, with the aim of attracting tourists to Almonte and Mississippi Mills. Many residents have fallen in love with our quaint town thanks to the festival," Young previously explained to Inside Ottawa Valley[4].
Young fashioned countless personalized puppets for local businesses, well-known figures, and a handful of celebrities, including Peter Mansbridge, Don Cherry, Max Keeping, and even Henry Winkler (Fonzie).
Bob Grath, famed baker and proprietor of Baker Bob, penned a heartfelt farewell on his Facebook page.
"We lost a True Friend and a Inspiration last night," he wrote. "I can't even begin to express how saddened we are at your passing but how fortunate we feel to have had you in our lives. Your kindness and your gentle spirit shone through absolutely everything you did," Grath continued.
Grath reminisced on their countless encounters, from the smiling customer who could always brighten his day to becoming a mentor and companionship for his son's ventures in puppetry.
Young was bestowed the Order of Canada on April 13, 1994, and was officially honored on March 1, 1995, by the Governor General of Canada, an esteemed recognition for outstanding achievement, community service, and dedication to the nation[5].
Through her puppetry, Young imparted valuable lessons on matters such as safety, nutrition, environmental awareness, and addictions to young audiences[6].
In time, the world will witness a celebration of Young's life. As a sign of reverence, the municipal flag in front of the Almonte office was lowered to half-mast.
"Noreen's enduring impact will be felt through her Puppet's Up! Festival, and we will remember her with fondness every time a puppet graces a local occasion or passes by the Gloria Gopher statue along the Alameda," Mayor Lowry declared[7].
Bonus Insights:
Noreen Young was born on May 10, 1939, in Almonte, Ontario. She honed her artistic talents by studying drawing and painting at the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto. Her television puppetry career took flight at CJOH/CTV and CBOT/CBC in Ottawa[1].
In addition to "Under the Umbrella Tree" and "Hi Diddle Day," Young's contributions also extended to shows such as "Today's Special," "Téléfrançais," and "Sesame Park." She received numerous accolades, including an Ohio State Award for "Hi Diddle Day" and ACTRA's Best Children's Programme for "Pencil Box." Young was nominated for Gemini Awards and celebrated with an Order of Canada investment in 1995[2][5].
Noreen's puppetry work focused on educational topics, including safety, nutrition, environmental awareness, and addictions[6]. Her legendary status in the puppetry world is a testament to her remarkable creativity and extraordinary talent.
- Noreen Young, known for her work on 'Under the Umbrella Tree' and 'Hi Diddle Day', passed away at the age of 85.
- Christa Lowry, the mayor of Mississippi Mills, expressed deep sorrow upon learning about Young's demise.
- Young was a member of the Municipal Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and Community and Economic Development Committee in the area.
- The multiday Puppet's Up! International Puppets Festival, which Young created and directed, offered a variety of puppet shows, parades, and vendors in Almonte.
- Young fashioned personalized puppets for local businesses, well-known figures, and celebrities like Peter Mansbridge, Don Cherry, Max Keeping, and Henry Winkler.
- Through her puppetry, Young imparted valuable lessons on matters such as safety, nutrition, environmental awareness, and addictions to young audiences.
- In memory of Young, the municipal flag in front of the Almonte office was lowered to half-mast, and her enduring impact will be felt through the Puppet's Up! Festival.
