FARMINGTON – Dorothy “Jean” Young, 75, of Byron, died on Thursday, Jan. 15, at Franklin Memorial Hospital, Farmington, after a long battle with cancer, with her family by her side.

She was born Sept. 8, 1933, in Rumford Point, at the home of her maternal grandparents, Ivan and Lenna Long Stowe. She was the daughter of Norman E. and Lenna (Stowe) Young and lived in Byron during her childhood.

Jean attended the Coos Canyon one-room school and Mexico schools, graduating from Mexico High School in 1950.

She was married to Jimmie Fuerstenberger for 25 years. She was a devoted mother and homemaker.

She attended the University of Maine, Farmington, as a non-traditional student, graduating in 1984, with a bachelor’s of science degree in rehabilitation.

She became a licensed social worker and was employed by the Department of Human Services as a children’s services caseworker for 10 years. She hoped that her efforts made a positive difference in the lives of the many foster children with whom she worked.

She was a member of the “Wisdum” group in Augusta for many years and served on the board of directors. She also led a support group for divorced and widowed persons while at UMF.

After retirement, Jean lived in Byron and became active in a small antiques business.

She was a member of the Byron Historical Society.

Surviving are four children, Pam Pettitt of Fayette, Lynn McCourt of Raymond, Diane Staples and her husband, Jon, of Farmington and James Fuerstenberger and his wife, Jennifer, of Farmington; two sisters, Irene Hutchinson and Judy Boucher; and one brother, Norman E. Young II, all of Byron; seven grandchildren, Jessica Greifzu, Lorna Holland, Jacob Pettitt, Shannon Staples, Byron Staples, Eve Fuerstenberger and Riley McCourt; and four great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents; a daughter, Liza Jean; and a brother, Donald S. Young.

Jean wanted to thank her doctors (Dr. Gooch and Dr. Hertler) and the nurses in the oncology unit as well as the third floor staff at Franklin Memorial Hospital for the excellent care they gave her while she was a patient.