Barbara (Hastings) Young, 98, lovingly referred to as Leilee, a longtime resident of New England, passed away peacefully, of natural causes, surrounded by love at her home in La Jolla, California on June 21, 2021.
Born in Portland, Oregon, Leilee was the daughter of the late Henry Winthrop and Phillis Chandler (Hendrickson) Hastings. They moved to Los Angeles, California in 1933, then crossed America in a Model T Ford during the height of The Great Depression, settling in New Haven, CT.
Barbara married her high school sweetheart, Wilbur Fenelon Young, III, in New Haven, CT, on July 4, 1944. Upon graduating from Hamden Hall Country Day School in Hamden, CT, she worked as a librarian at Yale University. She then joined her husband, as part of the “Great Generation,” on an adventure in the US Army Air Corp during WWII.
She presided over the “The Young House” on the Green in Longmeadow, MA where she oversaw numerous charity events and social gatherings for both business and pleasure.
She volunteered her time to assist in the care of prenatal infants and was an active puppeteer for the Junior League in Springfield, MA, where she would entertain young children.
Although born and raised a Westerner, Leilee lived most of her life actively raising an extensive family in New England. She spent many years teaching, supporting, and joining her family in their many activities including sailing at her longtime home in Groton Long Point, CT, and skiing from her slope side chalet at Magic Mountain in Vermont. She was affectionally known for organizing wonderful family events and guiding many youth activities.
Leilee would often extend a loving thought and prayer to all that needed reassurance, and say, “pleasant dreams, thoughts and feelings,” when ending the day, comforting her 12 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Her passions included traveling the world, theater, the arts, fashion, sailing, skiing, flying, as well as an endless devotion to her extended family and many friends.
Leilee showed grace and presence sharing her love and a compassion for others in keeping with her devotion to her Christian values.
She remained a steadfast supporter of the family business, W.F. Young, Inc., as Chair-Emeritus, supplying endless support of the family management team. As matriarch, she helped to continue the family’s legacy; a successful, fifth generation, international animal healthcare company, makers of Absorbine since 1892.
Along with her beloved husband Wilbur, she was predeceased by her loves, son, Wilbur F. Young, IV, daughter, Phyllis F. Young, grandson, Taylor YoungLincoln, brother, Henry W. Hastings, II, and twin sister, Patricia B. Falk.
To carry on her memory and traditions are her adoring children, Brooks Young, Constance Young, Jamie Young & husband Paul Milani, Tyler Young & wife Jean, 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and many dear nieces, nephews & extended family.
A private celebration of life will occur this fall. Leilee’scremains will be, as she requested, lovingly spread at sea, while family & closest friends recite her favorite prayer: “We send a loving heart, across life’s bounding sea, and every loving thought, sends blessings back to me. My heart gives thanks to God, for good and endless store, and into every life, God's blessings come the more.”
Memorial contributions may be made to the Brooke USA Foundation at www.BrookeUSA.org. Your donation will help alleviate the suffering of working equines and the people who depend on them in the poorest parts of the world.
Please visit www.TazziniFuneralHome.com for condolences.