Obituary
On February 18th, 2025, at Toronto Western Hospital, Lisa Carol Young passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love and support of her loved ones.
Beloved wife of Mike Lummis. Dear daughter of David (deceased 2018) and Sandra Young. Loving Aunt of Sam Molnar, Megan Molnar, David Young, Roman Young and Marko Young Sister of Mark Young. Sister-in-law of Teri Molnar and Joanne Young. Daughter-in-law to Gail Lummis (deceased 2021)
Lisa Carol Young was born on April 8th, 1967 at Toronto General Hospital, weighing 6 pounds, 8 ounces. She grew up on Chester Avenue in the Danforth neighbourhood, attending Jackman Public School, Jesse Ketchum Public School and Jarvis Collegiate Institute. Among her many interests as a child were ballet, guitar and gymnastics. Lisa could often be seen cartwheeling down her street, rather than walking. Lisa loved reading from a young age and was an eager student. She was always a lover of animals. Lisa’s beloved dog, Susie, was in her life from the time Lisa was 3 years old into her early teens. She missed Susie over the years and always said that she would see her again one day.
Lisa went on to study Political Science at Carlton University. Lisa’s true calling was writing, specifically in the genre of Poetry. She attended York University to study Modern Literature.
In June of 1990, Lisa and Mike met. They had been hired to work as maintenance staff on cottages in Muskoka. Immediately, they realized they were soul mates. They shared deep philosophical discussions, laughter and an understanding of each other. They married on August 7th, 2005 and were looking to celebrate their 20th anniversary this coming August. In the same year that they married, 2005, Lisa began a career as a copy editor at Carswell Publishing. Lisa worked at Carswell for 19 years and in all her years there, she never had a product rejected for having an error in it, a testament to Lisa’s gift of attention to detail when editing.
Again, Lisa’s passion and place where she found meaning in her life, was poetry. Lisa’s first book of poetry, When The Earth, was published in 2011 by Quattro Books. One reviewer said, Young’s poems are short meditations on the experiences that create a life and give it meaning. —Jan Lermitte, Canadian Literature. This comment accurately captured Lisa’s own purpose in her poetry. Her second poetry book, This Cabin (chapbook), was published by LyricalMyrical Press in 2015.
You can find her poems in several publications including, the Literary Review of Canada, One Hand Clapping, Minola Review, Poetry Pause, Verse-Virtual, The Quilliad, Synaeresis, and in Diane Lockward’s craft book, The Practicing Poet: Writing Beyond the Basics.
Lisa’s short stories have appeared in the Maple Tree Literary Supplement, Rampike Magazine, Dead Gender, and Dragnet Magazine.
In 2017, Lisa founded Juniper, A Poetry Journal, in Toronto. Juniper’s mandate speaks volumes about Lisa’s aim with her own poetry. ‘Juniper seeks poems that bring the reader back to themselves and leave them with a deeper understanding of the world(s) in which they live.’ Juniper has grown into one of the most respected online poetry journals. Poets from all over the world submit their work to Juniper. A number of poems appearing in Juniper went on to be selected for editions of Best Canadian Poetry. Lisa curated Juniper with such care and attention. It was truly a labour of love and the status that it achieved in the poetry community is a testament to Lisa’s efforts to make each and every issue special.
Lisa studied the craft of poetry with enthusiasm and deep interest, particularly under her mentor, Ellen Bass. Lisa was always learning about the craft and was able to share her vast knowledge of the craft by offering poetry craft talks and courses online at the Wychwood Poetry Workshop. At the time of her passing, Lisa had been asked to teach an online workshop at the prestigious poetry website, Poetry Barn. Lisa’s reputation as an instructor/poet with a wealth of knowledge and as a skilled editor preceded her.
Lisa was a searcher. She made her life a study and made efforts over many years to grow her being. Her wisdom and self-driven search were an inspiration to many.
Lisa’s death was unexpected and all of us are trying to grapple with her sudden passing. There will be a celebration of Lisa’s life at a later date. Those closest to her are still trying to process this untimely passing of such a beautiful soul.
We would like to thank all the medical staff at Toronto Western Hospital for their exceptional care of Lisa. Their care, compassion and treatment of Lisa is greatly appreciated. Also, thanks go out to Cardinal Funeral Home for their kindness, compassion and respect given to all of us who love Lisa dearly.
Lisa will always live in our hearts. She was and is an angel. May she attain the kingdom of heaven.
