The world of puppetry and children’s television has lost a creative trailblazer. Noreen Isabel Young, CM, an award-winning puppeteer, puppet builder, and producer, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of imagination, storytelling, and innovation that inspired generations across Canada and beyond.
Born on May 10, 1939, in Ottawa, Ontario, Noreen grew up in the Old Ottawa South neighborhood alongside her younger brothers, John and Stephen Brathwaite. Her artistic journey began at the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto, where she studied drawing and painting before stepping into the world of puppetry—a path she forged with determination, self-taught skill, and boundless creativity.
Noreen became widely known for crafting puppets from liquid latex, giving them expressive features, flexible faces, and dynamic personalities. Her work came alive on television screens, captivating young audiences and reshaping Canadian children’s programming through the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s.
Young began her television career at CJOH/CTV and CBOT/CBC in Ottawa, gaining national attention with Hi Diddle Day (1967–1976) and Pencil Box (1977–1979). Both series received prestigious awards, including an Ohio State Award and ACTRA’s Best Children’s Programme.
In the 1980s, she founded Noreen Young Productions Inc., leading to the beloved CBC and Disney Channel co-production Under the Umbrella Tree (1987–1993). The show, starring the puppet character “Gloria the Gopher” performed by Young, became a household favorite and was also dubbed in French for Canal Famille.
Her puppets became iconic characters on educational shows like Today’s Special, Readalong, Téléfrançais!, and Sesame Park, where she voiced “Dodie”. She also lent her talents to The Care Bears Battle the Freeze Machine in 1984.
Noreen was celebrated for her caricature puppets of Canadian public figures—Adrienne Clarkson, Peter Mansbridge, and Don Cherry—as well as satirical figures that poked fun at political and social life in her beloved Almonte.
In 1995, Noreen was made a Member of the Order of Canada, recognized for her profound impact in educating children through puppetry on issues ranging from safety to environmental awareness and mental health.
In 2018, the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum hosted “Noreen Young: A Puppet Retrospective,” showcasing 150 of her puppets spanning more than five decades. Her legacy now lives on in the collections of Library and Archives Canada and the Canadian Museum of History.
Friends, collaborators, and former students mourn the loss of a generous spirit and mentor.
“Saddened to hear the news of our friend Noreen Young’s passing,” wrote Allan Brown. “A creative soul whose memory will be cherished in Almonte. She will live on in all her puppets and the hearts of many.”
“Very sad to hear about the passing of Canadian puppet icon Noreen Young,” shared Freddie Rivas. “She mentored many artists; and I was very lucky to be one of those artists.”
“Take a breath and remember, with affection, a creative soul, a strong woman, one of our community and of Canada,” added Heather Phaneuf. “Thank you Noreen Young for the magic you wove and brought to all of us.”
Noreen Young’s career was one of passion, laughter, and wonder. Through her puppets, she made children laugh, think, and feel. She gave voice to stories that mattered and created safe, joyful spaces on Canadian television where imagination could thrive.
She may have left this world, but her puppets, her vision, and her joy live on.
Rest in peace, Noreen. Thank you for the magic.