Noreen Isabel Young CM (May 10, 1939 – April 18, 2025) was a Canadian producer, puppeteer, and puppet builder. Young's passion for puppetry started at a young age, leading her to become a pioneer in the field. She gained recognition for her innovative use of liquid latex in puppet construction, allowing for lifelike movements and expressions. Young's career in television puppetry began at CJOH/CTV and CBOT/CBC in Ottawa, where she worked on shows such as Hi Diddle Day and Pencil Box, receiving accolades for her contributions. She later established Noreen Young Productions Inc. and produced the beloved children's series, Under the Umbrella Tree. Her talents extended beyond puppetry, as she also performed as the character "Gloria the Gopher" on the show.Notably, Young's puppet characters appeared on various TV productions, and her caricature puppets of public figures gained widespread acclaim. Her legacy lives on through her extensive puppet collection, some of which are housed in esteemed institutions like the National Museum of History and Library and Archives Canada.In 1995, Young was honored as a Member of the Order of Canada for her significant contributions to children's education through puppetry. Her remarkable career and impact on the entertainment industry continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

Noreen Margaret Corcoran (October 20, 1943 – January 15, 2016) was an American film and television actress best known for her role as Kelly Gregg in the sitcom "Bachelor Father." Born in Quincy, Massachusetts, she was the third of eight children. She began her acting career in 1951 with a role in the film "Apache Drums" and went on to appear in various TV shows and movies, including "Dr. Kildare," "Gidget Goes to Rome," and "The Big Valley." Notably, she was recommended for the role in "Bachelor Father" by Ronald Reagan. After retiring from acting, she worked at the Lewitzky Dance Company. Corcoran passed away on January 15, 2016, in Van Nuys, California, at the age of 72 due to cardiopulmonary disease. She never married or had children. Her legacy lives on through her contributions to the entertainment industry.

Noreen Branson (16 May 1910 – 25 October 2003) was a prominent British communist activist, historian, and key figure in the Communist Party of Great Britain (CPGB). Born in London, she experienced the loss of both parents at a young age, which sparked her lifelong interest in anti-imperialist and anti-war politics. Despite her aristocratic upbringing, Branson's anti-war beliefs led her to seek out socialist groups. In 1931, she married fellow communist and International Brigadeer, Clive Branson, and together they became active members of the CPGB, advocating for social change and opposing fascism.Branson's dedication to activism led her to undertake various missions, including smuggling funding to Indian communists resisting British colonial occupation and representing the North Battersea Co-operative Women's Guild on the Aid Spain Committee during the Spanish Civil War. Additionally, she contributed significantly to the Labour Research Department, specializing in welfare and social services, and went on to edit the department's magazine for 25 years.Throughout her life, Branson remained committed to her political beliefs and made substantial contributions as a historian, researcher, and writer. Her legacy is marked by her unwavering dedication to social justice and her significant impact on the communist movement in Britain.

Noreen Stevens (born 1962) is a Canadian cartoonist known for her groundbreaking work in the field of comics, particularly for her creation and illustration of the lesbian comic strip The Chosen Family. Her career in comics began in 1984, and she gained recognition for her contributions to the ensemble comic book Dyke Strippers: Lesbian Cartoonists from A to Z. Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Stevens later graduated from the University of Manitoba with a bachelor's degree in interior design in 1985, before dedicating herself to creating and illustrating comics.Throughout her career, Stevens received acclaim for her thought-provoking and impactful work. In 1991, she collaborated with photographer Sheila Spence to establish an artist collective called Average Good Looks, aiming to challenge homophobia through art and activism. Stevens' work has been featured in numerous publications and anthologies, making her a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ comic community.Beyond her professional achievements, Stevens has played a significant role in challenging societal norms. In her personal life, she has been a trailblazer, having been the first same-sex couple in Manitoba to jointly adopt two children, Dillon and Savannah Stevens. Her adoption experience was featured on a 2009 episode of the Discovery Health Channel series Adoption Stories.Noreen Stevens' impactful career and personal life have made her an influential figure in both the LGBTQ+ and comics communities.

Noreen Oliver MBE (23 April 1960 – 16 December 2023) was a British businesswoman, rehabilitation center owner, and advocate of drug and alcohol policy reform. She founded and served as the CEO of addiction treatment centers in Burton-upon-Trent and Clayton, Staffordshire. Oliver's journey towards her impactful work began with her own battle with alcoholism, which she conquered after undergoing multiple detox treatments and experiencing a life-changing near-death episode. Her determination to turn her life around led her to establish the Burton Addiction Centre, now known as the BAC O'Connor Centre, which has been recognized for its high success rates in helping individuals recover from substance addictions. Additionally, she founded the O'Connor Gateway Trust, a charitable organization supporting recovering addicts, and was a strong advocate of abstinence-based recovery. Oliver's contributions to society were acknowledged with several prestigious awards, including being appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to disadvantaged people in Staffordshire. Her commitment to helping others and her significant impact in the field of addiction treatment and recovery made her a highly respected figure, earning accolades and recognition for her tireless efforts.