Alice Young

“Thank you, Lord, for all our joys!” These words, familiar to all who knew Alice Young, express her enduring faith and positive attitude. Showing gratitude and a loving spirit to the very end, Alice “Momma” Young, died peacefully July 7, 2004 surrounded by her loving family.

Alice celebrated life. She never wanted to miss anything and made every event a special occasion, from using her best china instead of paper plates, to filling every corner of her home with Christmas treasures.

Alice’s mission was to spread joy to all she knew. She did this in countless ways. Who else would carry a gumdrop with a birthday candle in it, ready to light at a moment’s notice?

Born Aug. 4, 1915, to Swedish immigrants John and Christine Brodin, Alice is survived by sister, Fern Stenberg of Thief River Falls, Minn.; her children, Janann Roodzant of Oak Harbor, Kathy Richardson and James Young III of Bellingham, Judy White of La Habra, Calif., John Young of Tucson, Ariz., Cindy Daniel, of Tustin, Calif., and their spouses; 12 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, former music director, James A. Young and eight of her siblings.

Alice and Jim made music, raised children, and created memories with family and friends in Minnesota, Washington and California, moving to Fullerton in l964 where they were active members of Morningside Presbyterian Church for over 30 years.

Alice was known for her cooking, her church service, her talent with writing and her hobby of sending hundreds of hand-painted post cards to people all over the United States. Her hand-painted Easter eggs are treasured by all. She made friends wherever she lived, adding joy and humor and giving hugs to all who were blessed enough to know her.