My Family Tree

Martha Celestia Grace Brooks Young
NOVEMBER 17, 1928 – JANUARY 21, 2025

IN THE CARE OF
The Fortin & Pinette Group, Dillingham, Lynch,
Plummer & Merrill

Martha Celestia Grace Brooks Young, age 96, of Auburn, Maine passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Bradley, Maine on November 17, 1928, a daughter to Loren Clinton and Martha Mary "Daisy" (Harriman) Brooks. She attended local schools and graduated from high school in 1947. She did very well in high school and graduated near the top of her class. Although she only had a high school diploma, she was highly self-educated, due to her being an avid reader. She was married to Norman Colby Young on April 12, 1947 in Kittery, Maine. The pair were married for nearly 70 years until his passing on February 7, 2017. Martha's husband was a United Methodist minister and they served all over the state. Her husband would say that she was his helpmate in every way, editing his sermons, typing and copying bulletins, supporting him and working with the ladies groups in the churches where her husband was appointed. In many parsonages she made improvements, wallpapering and painting walls and woodwork. Creating a comfortable and inviting space for family and friends was important to her. She truly loved being a minister's wife. Martha and her husband enjoyed traveling and visited many places around the world, including Scotland, England, Ireland, Germany, Israel, Egypt, British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, the Canadian Rockies, Alaska, Hawaii, Washington DC, New York City, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Hershey, PA, and all over the Caribbean. They also took each one of their grandchildren to Disney World in Florida. In her working years, she worked at the polls and was a seamstress, but always a proud minister's wife and homemaker. When she wasn't busy working or assisting her husband with church duties, Martha enjoyed reading, caning chairs, refinishing furniture, putting together puzzles, gardening (both vegetables and flowers) - especially her beautiful rose bushes in the last years of her life. Martha was witty and had a wonderful sense of humor. She was also an excellent cook, creating many delicious meals for her family. Martha is predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband Norman, and her brothers Raymond Loren Brooks (2005) and James Roger Brooks (1/17/2025). She is survived by her children Brenda Young Herling and her husband Timothy of Durham, David Colby Young and his wife Elizabeth of Danville, and Mary Ann Tardif and her husband Michael of Caribou. She is also survived by her grandchildren Bethany Ann Fisher of Durham, Thomas Alan Herling of Albany Township, Amy Elizabeth Young of Auburn, Caroline Young Coffin of Auburn, James Ward Herling of Durham, Joshua Michael Tardif of Pownal, and Michelle Tardif Glew of Fort Fairfield. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren Steven Ray Fisher Jr., Kaleb Joseph Fisher, Colin Alan Herling, Aiden Rhodes Herling, Kaiden Robert Herling, Kylee Catherine Herling, Edith Fransilja Coffin, Isaiah James Herling, Sianna Grace Herling, Mary Lavinia Coffin, Eben George Herling, Isabella Grace Herling, John Colby Coffin, Laura Grace Coffin, as well as her great-great grandchildren Matilda, Lorelai Grace, Keegan, and soon to be born Mya Ann. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 1st at 2PM at the United Methodist Church in Auburn, Maine with a reception to follow. The service will be live streamed through the church for all who are unable to attend in person. A committal will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Bradley, Maine at a later date in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations in Martha's name can be made to: Preachers Aid Society Society 51 Charles Wesley Court Wells, Maine 04090 Kennebunk Free Library 112 Main Street Kennebunk, Maine 04043 Arrangements are under the care of the Fortin & Pinette Group Funeral Home | 217 Turner Street Auburn, Maine 04210 | (207) 783-8545