Chrystal Young

Chrystal Young, born September 16, 1937, in Princes Town, Trinidad, entered into eternal rest on August 30, 2025, in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, at the age of 87.

Chrystal attended Inverness CM School in Trinidad and was raised in the Anglican faith. The youngest of six children, she was known for her warmth and vibrant spirit.

In 1965, she immigrated to the United States, initially working as a caregiver in Manhattan. She later joined the New York Blood Center, dedicating over twenty-five years of service before retiring in 2001. During this time, she became a naturalized U.S. citizen and purchased her apartment on West End Avenue, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

As a long-time member of the Paris Health Club and Symphony Space performing arts center, Chrystal had a passion for dancing, music, travel, and theater. She was an avid fan of tennis, golf, the Mets, and the New York Knicks. Her warm, outgoing and joyful nature drew people to her, leaving a wide circle of friends and acquaintances whose lives she touched. In 1992, she met her partner of 33 years, Carolyn Ricci, with whom she shared many joyful years between their homes in New York City and Ardsley, New York. Chrystal was an active member of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Ardsley.

With the onset of Alzheimer’s in 2017, Chrystal could no longer live independently and moved in with Carolyn. After several years, she entered memory care at The Kensington Assisted Living Residence in White Plains, New York, and later the Andrus Nursing Home.

Chrystal is survived by her partner, Carolyn Ricci, along with Carolyn’s extended family, and by many nieces and nephews residing in Trinidad, the United States and England. She was predeceased by her mother, Eldica Drakes; her brothers, Errol, Kenneth, and the Rev. Hubert C. Drakes; her sisters, Isabella Francis and Olga Drakes; and her husband, Hamilton Young. A woman of deep faith, Chrystal will be remembered for her strength, kindness, generosity, integrity, and grace.

Visitation will be at Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home, Dobbs Ferry, on Friday September 19, from 4-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Ardsley, on Saturday, September 20, at 11 a.m.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Chrystal Young to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), or to St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Ardsley, NY (https://www.stbarnabasardsley.com/).