Joan M. Owen

BARRE - Joan M. (Thompson) Owen passed away peacefully and entered into the hands of God on Saturday, January 26, 2019, following a brief illness. She will be greatly missed.

Born May 7, 1954, Joan grew up under the shadows of Mt. Equinox in Manchester Village, VT. She attended Manchester elementary schools, and graduated from Burr and Burton Seminary in 1972, as Salutatorian of her graduating class. She was active in Yearbook and lettered in basketball and field hockey.

Joan attended the University of Vermont and graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science.  She met her husband Lee Owen during their freshman year at UVM. They were married on August 21, 1976 and remained married for over 42 years.

Having a lifelong love of all animals, Joan would do anything she could to help an animal in distress. This meant stopping the car on many occasions to help dogs, cats, and even snapping turtles if they were hurt or seemed to be in trouble. She was also the primary caregiver for many pets over the years.  Joan also had an affinity for flowers, with Irises and Peonies being two of her favorites. Of course, the story would not be complete without mention of her beloved Red Sox. She was a true fan, a staunch supporter through the losing years, and in the winning years. She watched almost every inning of every game, suffering through the defeats, and celebrating the victories.

Joan had a penchant for computer analysis and statistics, and found rewarding work after graduating college, first at UVM, then Minor Institute in Chazy, NY, and the Vermont Center for Justice Research in Northfield, VT.

She also had a lifelong love of collecting antiques, which she shared with her husband. Some of their best memories were on those wonderful trips where sometimes she was lucky enough to find the perfect addition to her collection. As true collectors know, you can never have too many.

Joan is survived by her husband Lee, of Barre, VT; sister Jean Decell of Williston, VT; brother Ed and his wife, Patty of Manchester, VT; and brother-in-law Kelly and his wife, Christie of Issaquah, WA; as well as several nieces and nephews.

No burial is planned at this time. There will be a celebration of her life in the spring, when the flowers have bloomed; with date, time and location to be announced.

Donations in her name may be sent to Central Vermont Council on Aging, 59 N. Main Street, Suite 200, Barre, VT 05641, Central Vermont Humane Society, PO Box 687, Montpelier, VT 05601, or to the charity of your choice.