Reposted from: https://news.smu.ca/news/2025/6/17/remembering-marie-deyoung-former-university-librarian

Lisa Billard met Marie DeYoung in 2009 when she began working as an Administrative Assistant at the Patrick Power Library. This began a journey that Lisa will always be grateful for.

“I learned so much from Marie, personally and professionally, over the next eight years,” says Lisa. “Marie talked about the importance of small gestures of kindness, and I observed her kindness, generosity and calm approach to all matters regularly.”

Marie DeYoung served as the University Librarian at Saint Mary’s for 10 years, from July 2008 to July 2018. She passed away in April 2022 and is remembered with respect by many current Library staff.

“I was very lucky to have Marie for a manager and friend,” says Lisa. “I think of her often with great fondness and will always be grateful for knowing her. For me, she was a gentle mentor who became a dear friend. “

On June 4, 2025, Library staff gathered to plant a beautiful flowering almond tree in honour of Marie’s life, legacy, and contribution to Saint Mary’s. Current University Librarian, Suzanne van den Hoogen, organized this memorial tree planting as a symbolic gesture to the lasting impact Marie made at Saint Mary’s and a perfect way to launch celebrations for the Patrick Power Library’s 50th anniversary.

Marie was dedicated to her career as a librarian and recognized for her leadership within the profession. Her time at Saint Mary’s, leading the Patrick Power Library, was a highlight of her career. Marie also had a passion for mentoring staff, students, and new graduates, and this legacy is still felt by library staff today.

Natalie Barte, who started working as a Graduate Student Assistant at the Patrick Power Library in May, received the memorial Marie DeYoung Bursary from Dalhousie University last year to help fund her studies in the Master of Information program.

“I was surprised to learn that the bursary I received came from a woman who once served as the University Librarian at the very library where I now work,” says Natalie. “Though I never met Marie, her kindness and generosity have touched me, and I am truly grateful. It’s an honour not only to receive her support, but to know the legacy it came from.”

The Patrick Power Library would like to give special thanks to Dr. David Richardson, Dean Emeritus, for his thoughtful assistance in selecting and planting the flowering almond tree to honour Marie DeYoung. The tree is visible from the Library’s first floor, the University Librarian’s office on the second floor, and the quad. In mid-spring, the tree will bloom with pink flowers along its branches.