Nancy Rose Young's Obituary
“A person’s most useful asset is not a head full of knowledge, but a heart full of love, an ear ready to listen, and a hand willing to help.” We will miss our beloved mama, wife, daughter, sister, aunty, grandma and GG, Nancy Rose Young. Nancy passed away peacefully in Hilo, Hawai’i on March 5, 2025. She was 72 years young.
Nancy was born on December 10th,1952 in New Jersey to Dennis and Jeanne Rose Hogan. She was the eldest of her siblings Barbara (Arthel) Chatman, Steven Hogan, Susan Hogan (Mervyn Chang), Tara Hogan, and Allison (Ryan) Green. She was also survived by the children of her siblings. Nancy was raised in Chicago, Illinois until she was 13 years old and then her family moved to Atlanta, Georgia. At an early age her mother passed away, and her family moved back to Illinois to be closer to their grandparents and extended family. They ended up in Carbondale, Illinois.
During her teenage years, Nancy attended a conference being held at a church & in attendance were some of the brightest students throughout Illinois. The purpose of the conference was to bring peace and racial tolerance during the historical Civil Rights Movement. While attending this conference, she met Tony Young. Tony asked Nancy back then if she was afraid to be in his neighborhood. She let him know then that she wasn’t afraid of anything, and that’s how their love story began with a foundation of unity & grit. They attended Southern Illinois University & later made their way to where their hearts were calling them, Hawai’i, which became their home.
Together they had fourteen children, and she was blessed with an additional child through their union. Family was Nancy’s greatest achievement and her heartbeat. There couldn’t have been a prouder mama than Nancy, as she shared stories of her family to everyone she crossed paths with on the Big Island. Her heart grew even bigger as her grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along.
Nancy knew her purpose was to be an educator, as she was very passionate and devoted to being an advocate for educating youth. She was an elementary school teacher for over 20 years in the state of Hawai’i at schools such as: Ka’a’awa Elementary, Sunset Beach Elementary, Waiakea Elementary, and sometimes was a substitute at Kea’au Middle School, even in her own children’s classrooms. Those were some of her very own children's best-behaved days. Her impact on so many is legendary!
Nancy is survived by her husband, Tony Young and their 15 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Alfie, Angie Young (Karim Abdullah), Justin (Chastity) Young, Tony (Shannon) Young Jr., Jonny (Michelle LaRose) Young, Ikaika (Eric) Hill, Elijah Young, Jomo Young, Imani (Eric) Morning, Saba (Maile Osika) Young, Micah Young, Jordan Young, Jelani Young, Khadijah Young, and Aisha Young. Her
Grandchildren: Nia (Caleb), Cora, Daisha, Chaney, Chase, Aizeya, Alaijah, Azekiel, Jahnikki, Justice, Kingston, Teliah, Nisha, Jackson, Eric Jr, Kaileia, Kailani, Khalil, Nahlani, Jahkoa, Kaimana, Makaio, Kinara, Alejandro, Kōlea, Maji, Jade, Savannah, Noah, and a grandchild due in June. Her Great-Grandchildren: Nali, Pierce, Xyla Rue, Donnovan, and Nariyah. Her Furry grandchildren: Koda, Logan, & Phoenix. She also had hanai children: Emela Enos & Sherece Hawelu. No one was a stranger to Nancy. Everyone was ‘ohana to her. She was very thankful for her family and the joys of the earth and shared them with many. Our family tree has very strong roots, anchoring to earth, and the branches will continue to reach for the sky, just as she intended it to be.
May those memories of Nancy that we hold dear in our hearts be a beacon of light and joy as we remember with fondness all that she stood for. In our minds, our hearts, and our lives, she is still completely present to this day. The Young family sends their utmost respect and appreciation for everyone's thoughts, prayers, and messages of support during this difficult time. So much kindness has been shown, and it is a true testament to who and what our mama put out into the world. Your love & support mean the world to us as we navigate through our grief. Rest in love, mom. As Maya Angelou said, ‘A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again." We love you, Mom. Aloha, a hui hou!
The Celebration of Life for the Legendary Nancy Young:
Saturday, July 26, 2025
Billy Kenoi Recreation Center- Gym
15-3080 Kauhale Street
Pahoa, HI 96778
3:00 pm - 8:00 pm
To honor our mom’s teaching career and her dedication & impact on students’ lives, our family is organizing a backpack drive at the celebration of life event. Please bring any backpacks (new or lightly used) or school supplies to the event. We have partnered with Pahoa Elementary and Keonepoko Elementary to receive your donations. The family has also started a Go Fund Me to help cover the cost of the celebration: Momma Nancy Go Fund Me - https://gofund.me/49c786e3 or send any donations to the following CashApp: $Ikaikahill
What’s your fondest memory of Nancy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Nancy?
Share a story where Nancy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Nancy you’ll never forget.
How did Nancy make you smile?