Obituary of Mary Louise Young

Mary Louise Young of Tulsa, OK passed away peacefully on July 4, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones.  She was born July 21, 1939, in Peoria, IL to Helen Louise (Held) Ellison and Richard White Ellison. Her family moved to Tulsa when her father was offered a position with Service Pipeline Company.

Mary loved ballet and from elementary through high school studied under Eva Matlagova-Larkin, a Russian dancer. Eva's daughter Moscelyne was one the five famed Native American ballerinas who were known internationally as the Five Moons.  Mary had fond memories of spending her summers at the family farm in Lacon, IL with her beloved grandparents, affectionally known as Mamo and Papo.  She was a graduate of Central High School and attended the University of Tulsa where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta.  Mary was a great storyteller and loved hosting dinner parties for friends and family.  She spent most of her career in the art business in Santa Fe and Tulsa. She excelled in selling a diverse range of artwork to individual and corporate clients.

She was an avid reader, loved poetry, classical music (especially Gustav Mahler), and the Tulsa Ballet. But what she really loved was the simple joy of thrift store shopping. She thought of it as a treasure hunt, always looking for hidden gems and where each visit was a new adventure.  Mary was a natural beauty with an impeccable sense of style and grace. She was compassionate, intelligent, funny, and was always there to lend an ear and offer a helping hand. She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Roberta Marder (2022) and son Stephen Andrew Young (2024).  She is survived by her loving partner of 32 years, Joseph Gierek; son Douglas Young (Cindy) of Pike Road, AL; daughter Virginia Godwin (Jim) of Alpharetta, GA; brothers George Ellison (Susan) of Eufaula, OK and Michael Ellison of Taos, NM; sisters Carol Fleming of Santa Fe, NM and Catherine Rychel (David Blakemore) of Tulsa; grandchildren Riley, Alexander, Rachel and Benjamin; nieces, nephews and dear friends.

The family is very grateful for the exceptional care provided to her by the staff of Miller Hospice; to Fred Garfinkel for his never-ending support; and to John Reaves for his friendship and generosity.

A Memorial Service will take place on Friday, April 4, at 1:00 pm, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 501 S. Cincinnati Ave.  A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, April 6, from 1:00-4:00 pm, at Joseph Gierek Fine Art, 1342 E. 11th Street.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Miller Hospice, 6950 S. Utica Ave, Tulsa, OK 74136, (918) 742-6415, or the charity of your choice.

Ninde Funeral & Cremation | (918) 742-5556 | ninde.com