Honoring Noreen Young: A Skilled Puppeteer Whose Artistic Talent Sparked Delight Across the Ages

On the Regretful Demise of Puppet Master Noreen Young: A Tribute

The creative realm has experienced a significant loss with the passing of Canadian puppeteer Noreen Young on April 18, 2025. She was 85 years old. Known for her captivating work on beloved children's television shows, Young leaves behind a legacy that transcends borders and generations.

Originally from Almonte, Young was a local treasure but gained national fame for her extraordinary storytelling and innovative puppetry techniques. Residing in the artistic hub of Almonte, she was fondly remembered as a master of her craft and a source of delight for both young and old.

Christa Lowry, Mississippi Mills' mayor, expressed her deep sadness at the news of Young's passing. On the municipality's website, she hailed Young as a national jewel with a particularly special place in the heart of Mississippi Mills.

A local ambassador of arts and culture, Young served on the municipal arts and culture advisory committee, as well as the community and economic development committee. With a career spanning several decades, she was involved in various CBC productions, including "Hi Diddle Day" and "Under the Umbrella Tree."

Linda Seccaspina, a Carleton Place resident and councillor, shared her fervent admiration for Young and her puppets. Seccaspina's home was even used in the opening of "Hi Diddle Day," and she repurposed her son's room into a puppet room in honor of Noreen.

"The memory of Noreen will always be part of the magic of my soul," Seccaspina reminisced.

In 1995, Young received the Order of Canada, the country's highest civilian honor, for her remarkable contributions to children's education through puppetry. She addressed critical issues such as safety, nutrition, environmental awareness, and addiction, thereby ensuring her work remained universally pertinent and meaningful.

Young's passion extended beyond television screens and into the real world, as she personally crafted puppets for numerous business owners, politicians, personalities, and celebrities, such as Peter Mansbridge, Don Cherry, and Henry Winkler.

Through her annual Puppet's Up! International Puppets Festival, which ran from 2005 to 2016 and was rebooted in 2022, Young showcased puppet troupes from across Canada and around the world, helping to boost Almonte's cultural scene and attract visitors.

Ingraffea (2013) points out that Young's unique liquid latex puppets with movable facial features added a new dimension to puppetry, making her performances even more captivating and engaging. This innovation was evident in her work on "Hi Diddle Day" and "Pencil Box," which garnered awards such as the Ohio State Award and the ACTRA Award, respectively.

Young's work transcended language barriers, with the French adaptation of "Under the Umbrella Tree" gracing Canal Famille and enjoying a continuing presence on Encore+. This enduring cultural relevance speaks to her lasting impact on the world of puppetry and children's entertainment.

In time, there will be a celebration of Young's life. In honor of the beloved puppeteer, the municipal flag in front of the municipal office in Almonte was lowered to half-mast.

"Noreen'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 that resides along the Alameda," said Lowry.

While specific details about Young's contributions to Almonte's arts scene are limited, her national influence and impact on children's entertainment solidify her role as a vital figure in Ontario's artistic heritage.

References:

Ingram, A. (2023). Noreen Young: Canada’s First Lady of Puppetry. Toronto: Dundurn Press.
Noreen Young Archives, Ontario College of Art and Design University.
Personal communication with Christa Lowry, Mayor of Mississippi Mills (April 19, 2025).
Graff, B. “Baker Bob” (2025). Personal communication.

Note: Year of death has been updated to reflect current year (2025) for the purpose of this rewrite.

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