Andover resident Christine H. Young passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2025. Born in Lancaster, PA she was the youngest of nine children of Leo and Mary (Gallagher) Huegel. During her 52 years in the Merrimack Valley she made a lasting impact through her work as a reporter and engagement with local groups.
Christine, known as Chris, graduated from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in 1955 and began her career practicing public health nursing in Baltimore, MD. It was there she met her husband, Lt. Henry Young (AF), and they married in 1956. Chris and Hank began their married life in Cambridge, MA where Henry was a graduate student and Chris worked in the preemie nursery at Mt. Auburn Hospital.
She and Henry raised four children—Jennifer, Ellen, Elizabeth, and Peter—in Newton, MA, Rochester, NY, and Andover, MA. Later, following a lifelong interest, she returned to school to earn her B.A. in journalism from Boston University in 1979. She was a reporter to her core and spent 20 years on the Eagle Tribune News Desk, where she was especially known for her “Road Rider” column. She also contributed to other local publications, including the Andover Townsman. Chris is remembered fondly by her colleagues for her feisty personality and commitment to her job as a reporter.
A staunch and engaged community advocate, throughout her life Chris was active in her children’s schools, local arts and ecology initiatives and governance issues. She co-founded Andover Art in the Park with local artists Mal Stella and Cory Staid, founded the first Andover Tree Committee, and served as chair of the local Samaritans board, among other activities. In retirement, she became a master gardener, continued to write for local publications, including a feature in Yankee Magazine on turkey vultures, and led a writing group at the Andover Senior Center for several years. She generously supported Merrimack Valley talent and local endeavors and was always eager to share information and connect people doing interesting things who needed a PR boost.
She was predeceased by her son, Peter Young, in August 2024, and her beloved husband of 69 years, Henry, in April 2025. She is survived by her daughters Jennifer Young Kass (husband Brett Kass) of Virginia, Ellen Young of Somerville, and Elizabeth Goodman of Connecticut, and her beloved granddaughter Natalie Goodman of New York City.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Sunday, November 2nd at 2 pm in Andover. Please email [email protected] for details. Remembrances may be posted at casperfuneralservices.com/obituaries-guestbook/.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any local nonprofit of your choice. Organizations Chris loved and supported include the Andover Tree Committee, AVIS, The Lawrence History Center, The New England Center for Investigative Reporting, and Samaritans of Merrimack Valley.