Annette Jeanne Jicha Young
February 20, 1932 - December 14, 2025

Annette was born in Arcata, at the old Trinity Hospital which was on the corner of 13th and G Street. She was the daughter of Vencil Francis Jicha and Lois Lorraine McNeil Jicha. They lived in Korbel until 1938, then they moved to Arcata, where her roots and life long history of Arcata grew.

Annette attended Arcata Union High School, Class of 1950, and was very involved with all their class reunions. She continued her education at Pacific Union College in Angwin, California, earning a degree in Music Education in 1954.

Annette began her teaching career at Willow Creek Elementary teaching music, but ended up teaching Kindergarten for two years. There, she met the love of her life, Vernon V. Young, who was the 5th and 6th grade teacher. They married April 3, 1955. Two weeks before their wedding they put a down payment on property in Willow Creek. Together they built what became Young’s Orchard, and was known for the best peaches, as well as cherries, apples, pears, plums. In 1957, they moved to Arcata, but kept growing the orchard for their weekends and summers.

Music was Annette’s lifelong language. She helped start the Music Teachers Association of CA, Humboldt County Division in 1956. In 1962, she became heavily involved with the American Guild of Organists, acting as the Dean and Secretary for many years. She was also a lifetime member of the Auxiliary of VFW post 9561.

From 1955 to 2007, Annette taught mostly private piano, organ and voice lessons. At just 15 years old, she played the organ and sang for her first funeral service at Paul’s Mortuary Chapel in Arcata. This started a 72 year part-time career with them, where she served not only as a musician, but also as a trusted employee in countless office roles. She became the face of Paul’s Chapel. Living in Arcata her whole life, she helped many families she knew during their difficult time. She also served as organist, pianist and choir director for the Arcata-McKinleyville Seventh-Day Adventist Church from 1946 to 2001. She also played for a “gazillion” (as she put it) weddings and funerals over the years.

Annette is survived by her children Dale Young (Janice), Donald Young (Kathy), and Deanne Albright Young: Grandchildren Joshua (Gali) Young, Amber (Brent) Hennrich, Tiffany (Travin) Davis, Ryan (Brook) Young, and J.T. Albright; and great-grandchildren Briana, (who was born on her birthday!), Braydon and Brynlee Hennrich, and Trek and Tahr Davis. She is also lovingly missed by her bonus granddaughter Kendra Turner, son-in-law Mike Albright, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Annette was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon V. Young, her parents, and her sisters, Edna Jicha Irland and Adrienne Jicha Young.

A private burial was held. No public service is planned at this time.