Erica Gail Young: ‘Independent Spirit, Fierce Determination, and Extreme Loyalty’

Erica Gail Young

Erica Gail Young, age 19

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Erica Young was one of the victims of a traffic collision in Redding.

Erica was born on September 9, 1998 in Sacramento Ca. to Eric Young and Crystal Masten-Young. Erica crossed over to be with her ancestors on November 3, 2017.

She is survived by her mother and father Eric & Crystal Young, brothers Eric Young Jr., Dennis Young & Tavis Young, Great Grandmas Vivienna Masten & Lavina Bowers, Grandma, Valerie O’Rourke, Grandparents, Leonard & Sue Masten & numerous aunts, uncles, cousins & friends.

She is preceded in death by great Grandparents Lorraine & Richard O’Rourke Sr., Duke Masten, Clarence Riley, Catherine Lowery, Grandparents Dennis Young Sr. & Gail Young.

Erica is a descendant of the Yurok, Hupa, Karuk, Blackfoot and Shasta People, and an enrolled member of the Yurok Tribe.

Erica graduated from Hoopa High School and was attending Shasta Junior College in Redding, California. She loved school and she was an honor roll student throughout her school years. As a freshman she helped several seniors to complete their school work to graduate.

Erica came from dance families and was dedicated to her culture and traditions, participating for many years in ceremonial dances. She enjoyed cooking with her dad and feeding others. She had a smile that could light up a room & always thought of others before herself. Erica was very caring; She always looked after those around her from babies to elders and would drop what she was doing to lend a hand, even going without if it meant helping family or friends.

Although Erica was only 19 she touched the lives of many and was wise beyond her years. Her goofy manner, ruff and tuff attitude, silly giggle & big dimples were infectious. She was known for her independent spirit, fierce determination, and extreme loyalty. She loved spending time with family and friends, making memories along the way that she will take with her & that will remain in our hearts to cherish. She was deeply loved, and will be missed and remembered by all who came into contact with her.

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved so missed, so very dear”

A fundraising page has been set up here.

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Thinking allowed
Guest
Thinking allowed
6 years ago

A beautiful woman. I’m so sorry for your loss.

Shirley Singleton Brown
Guest
Shirley Singleton Brown
6 years ago

Your last paragraph says it all. What beautiful words. My deepest sympathies go all to this young ladies family’s. What she achieved in her short life is truly amazing. My heart breaks for all. God Bless.

Katherine "tuni" hescock
Guest
Katherine "tuni" hescock
6 years ago

My deepest condolences to the family, so very sorry for your loss.

G-MAS
Guest
G-MAS
6 years ago

My condolences to this family. Sweet sweet smile🕊R.i.p

From_Hoopa_w/
Guest
From_Hoopa_w/
6 years ago

We will miss you Erica! Love and respects to her family!

Sharon
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Sharon
6 years ago

Beautiful obituary for a beautiful young woman 💜

Monrovia Poe
Guest
Monrovia Poe
6 years ago

Beauty that radiates from within. I remember Erica as a baby with those eyes and dimples. Always happy and smiling. I LOVE HER!

Words can’t express the loss I am sure we all feel on this earth as she is welcomed by her ancestors.
I am so sorry and my love is ALWAYS with ALL of you from my heart!

Mingo
Guest
Mingo
6 years ago

This is so sad. Please don’t drink and drive.

Melanie Sweatt
Guest
Melanie Sweatt
6 years ago

This amazing girl and family have hearts of gold and love endlessly. My heart breaks for them. This girl left an indelible impression on my heart and every moment spent with her has stayed forever and feel like yesterday. I love you Erica, I love you all.

a neighbor
Guest
a neighbor
6 years ago

Erica, you were a blessing to anyone who met you. Your light shone! Your love will live forever, in the hearts of all who knew you. May your light shine on.