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Nancy Young, born on February 5, 1934, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 1, 2026, after a nearly 30-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. She was 92. Our dear mother was born Nancy Ingrid Canton in Merced and was the only child of Hilda and Albert Canton. It was in Merced that she met and later fell in love with Forest Young. Their love was strong and beautiful. They went through life’s joys and sadnesses holding hands at each other’s side. She and Forest were able to celebrate 61 years of marriage before his passing in 2018. Nancy graduated from Fresno State with a teaching degree. She taught kindergarten until her first daughter Kathy was born, followed by Judy and Barbara. She then became a dedicated mother and homemaker. She loved being with her daughters and showered us with affection and the emotional support that shaped the women we are today. In addition to her family, her passion was cooking. She had the rare ability to taste a dish and then replicate it exactly, or even better than it was. She never shied away from Bon Appetit “expert” recipes and found great joy in preparing complicated menus to share with family and friends. Her kitchen was the center of the house and holidays were looked forward to and deeply enjoyed because of her love of cooking and entertaining those she loved so dearly. Nancy was also known for her enthusiasm for fashion which began in her youth when she spent hours sketching women in elegant clothing designs. She carried that love of style throughout her life, always particular about what she wore and how she accessorized. Parkinson’s Disease and her age never slowed her down when it came to her wardrobe. She always looked stylish. Nancy is survived by her daughters and their husbands: Kathy and Steve Franson, Judy and Alan Bews, and Barbara and Mark Giometti. She was a proud grandmother to Evan and Erik Franson, Alison and Emily Bews, and Stephanie and Katie Giometti as well as Evan’s wife Hannah Franson, Stephanie’s husband Joe Tooley, and Katie’s fiancé Kevin Luna. She is also survived by her great-grand daughters Blair Franson and Ava Tooley. She marveled at how her family had grown into new generations. We are all grateful for the love, prayers and support during this sad, difficult time. Nancy’s life was a blessing, and her memory is a treasure to us. She will be forever loved and never forgotten. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly invites those wishing to honor Nancy’s memory to consider a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, a cause close to her heart. A Celebration of Life for Nancy will be held at the Hotel Piccadilly, 2305 W Shaw Avenue on August 29, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

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Nancy Canton Young

February 5, 1934 - July 1, 2026