Bernadette Monique Francine (Mahieu) Young

With sorrow and the joy of Jesus, we announce the passing of Bernadette Monique Francine (Mahieu) Young on February 23, 2026 at the age of 76. Though unexpected, her heart was prepared and we are thankful.

Born on August 29, 1949 in Renaix, Belgium to Henri and Camilla Mahieu, Bernadette was the middle sister to Christiane and Martine.  At the age of 19, she married her children’s father, Russ Letson, who was serving in the US Air Force in Belgium at the time.  They soon moved to the United States where they started a family.  Though they did not remain married, they both acknowledged God’s divine plan for blessing them with their three children. 

Bernadette learned at a young age the importance of hard work.  As a young child she cleaned houses, helped on the farm and cared for her handicapped mother.  She trained to be a seamstress and used this skill for her entire life for work, clothes, decor, costume making fun and special times with her grandchildren.  Bernadette moved away from sewing as a profession and into the world of electronics with Sanmina SCI where she worked most of her adult life and where she also met her husband, Tony. 

Bernadette was full of life and love.  She celebrated her family and friends enthusiastically. She took such care, attention to detail and pride in showing her affection.  She showered her loved ones with hugs and kisses, opened her home and cooked meals that breathed love.  She radiated royalty, but never hesitated to dig in the dirt and sweat.  Her children and grandchildren were her absolute pride and joy and they knew it.  She considered them her greatest legacy and believed they were true gifts from God.  She loved to travel and Tony indulged her adventures to see the world!

Bernadette is survived by her devoted husband, Tony Young, her three beloved children: Marie Bourland (Brent), Kevin Letson (Jennifer) and Monique Cannon (Billy); stepdaughter: Heather Cartee; She was “Bobonne” to her eight grandchildren: Carley and Maya Bourland, Shelton Tibbs, Dominic Letson, Grant, Norah, Blake and Luke Cannon and great-grandson Milio Tibbs Torres; step-grandchildren: Caden and Ayden Sawyers and Carter Redmond; Other survivors include her two sisters: Christiane Gosselin (Daniel) and Martine Mathieu; goddaughter/niece Aurelie Moulin (Eddy); nephews: David Mathieu, Axel and Igor Gosselin; great niece: Jade Gosselin; great nephews: Malo Gosselin and Jonas and Brice Moulin.  

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Henri Mahieu and Camilla Vanthourout Mahieu of Belgium, and her Aunts by marriage that she treasured, Annie Mae and Elsie Randolph.

Bernadette’s services will be held at Spry Funeral Home in Huntsville, AL on Saturday, February 28, 2026 with visitation from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, funeral service in the chapel at 11:30 AM and burial to follow at Huntsville Memory Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National PKU Alliance at npkua.org.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in the hope of Jesus and the eternity He has prepared for Bernadette, our “Mommy”, Wife, Friend and our “Bobonne”. We hold tight to the promise that we will be reunited with her and our Savior one day, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.

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