Rebecca Conrad Young

In Memoriam: Rebecca Conrad Young

Rebecca (Becky) Young succumbed at home to cancer she had battled since 1997 on November 18 at the age of 74. She was born in Clairton, Pennsylvania, on 28 February 1934, graduating from Clairton High School in 1951. After completing a B.A. at the University of Michigan in 1955, she worked for two years in Casablanca, Morocco. Married to Crawford Young on 17 August 1957, she completed an MA in Teaching at Harvard University in 1963, and a J.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1983. She was elected to three terms on the Dane County Board of Supervisors beginning in 1970, then served as
Commissioner on the State Highway Commission 1974 to 1976. She was Deputy Secretary of Administration 1976-77, and was elected to two terms on the Madison School Board 1979-85. After completing Law School, she was an Associate with Julian & Lawton 1983-84. She won election to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 1984 representing the 76th District, serving seven terms and retiring in 1999. Among her major awards were NOW Feminist of the Year (1996); Eunice Zoghlin Edgar Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Civil Liberties Union (1997); Outstanding Legislator Award from the Wisconsin Counties Association (1998); Vote for Choice Award from Planned Parenthood (1998); Luan Gilbert Award for Outstanding Activities in Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention, from Domestic Violence Intervention Services (1998); Eleanor Roosevelt Award, from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin (2005); Extraordinary Commitment to Justice Award, from the Benedict Center (2008); Inspiring Leadership to Countless Women, from Wisconsin Assembly Democrats (2008); Lifetime Advocacy Award from Disability Rights Wisconsin (2008), and the Marlys Matuszak Statewide Impact Award for positive and lasting impact on the Democratic Party and State of Wisconsin (2008). She is survived by her husband M. Crawford Young, daughters Eva Young (Minneapolis), Louise Young (Madison), Estelle Young (Baltimore), and Emily (Imperial Beach, California), and grandchildren Israel and Daniel Dedina, and Celia and Anthony Chambers.

Visitation will take place on Friday, November 21 from 3-6 p.m. at the Cress Funeral Home, with a private funeral to be held for family members. A memorial service is planned in the near future; details will be announced shortly. In lieu of flowers, a contribution in her name might be made to Planned Parenthood Wisconsin or Family Connections.