Mississippi Mills Mayor Christa Lowry has announced the passing of local legend Noreen Young.
Noreen was a masterful puppet builder and renowned puppeteer for over 50 years.
She became nationally known for the CBC children’s show, Under the Umbrella Tree, and in 1995, was invested as a Member of the Order of Canada.
Noreen was a local ambassador of arts and culture in our community and spearheaded the Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival.
Many of the murals that dot Almonte’s downtown core were designed and painted by Noreen.
Noreen’s legacy lives on through the Puppets Up! Festival, and she will be remembered every time a puppet makes an appearance at a local event or when walking by the bronze monument of Gloria Gopher, who she portrayed on Under the Umbrella Tree, that resides along the Alameda.
In accordance with the Mississippi Mills Flag Policy, the municipal flag in front of the Municipal offices has been lowered in memory of Noreen Young.
By Rick Stow