Joanna "JoJean" Jean Young

Joanna Jean “JoJean” Young passed away peacefully on September 16, 2026, exactly 2 weeks short of her 92nd birthday. JoJean was born on September 30, 1934, in Aberdeen to William Maynard and Irene Waara. She graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1954, where she was a Songqueen for 2 years.

She married Charles Ernest Young on April 15, 1961, and they were happily married for 59 years until Ernie’s passing in 2020. They raised their 2 children, John and Gina, in Aberdeen.

JoJean worked for 30 years at JC Penney where she made lifelong friends with coworkers and customers and where she was known for her big smile and her afro haircut. She and Ernie enjoyed traveling, and together they explored Europe, Hong Kong, Hawaii and Mexico. But their favorite place was their vacation home in Palm Springs where they made numerous great friends from Wisconsin, Chicago and the West Coast. Jo and Ernie liked nothing better than starting their day with a long walk in the sunshine to their favorite donut shop.

JoJean was a doting mother, grandmother and great grandmother and showing pictures and bragging about them was one of her favorite hobbies. Opportunities to see her great granddaughter probably kept her alive after the passing of her son John in July 2025.

JoJean is survived by her daughter, Gina and “favorite” son-in-law Mark Chacon of Mt. Vernon; granddaughter, Gabriela Sierzega, husband Patric, and their daughter Sofia; Granddaughter Rachel Chacon of London, England. Also survived by her brother William Maynard and his wife Nancy of Kirkland, and her sister MaryAnn Mercer and her husband Roger of Burlington, plus numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of JoJean’s life will be held at her home on September 30. Please come by between 1:00 and 4:00 to enjoy a piece of cake as this would’ve been her 92nd birthday. Please take a moment to share your memories or notes of condolence for the family at www.fernhillfh@gmail.com.