Carolyn Maureen Owens

September 30, 1929 – May 2, 2025

Carolyn Maureen Owens, a vibrant soul with an unmatched spirit, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, in Fairfield, California at the age of 95. Born on September 30, 1929, in Newark, New Jersey to Michael Featherstone and Charlotte Zeller, Carolyn was one of eight siblings and proudly carried both her Irish and Portuguese heritage throughout her life.

In 1946, Carolyn’s mother relocated the family from New Jersey to Monterey, California, where Carolyn would begin a new chapter of her life and eventually meet her future husband, Jack. When Jack sent his sister across the street to invite Carolyn over to meet him, she famously replied, "If he wants to meet me, he can come over here!" Jack did, and they married shortly after on January 18, 1947. Together they built a rich life full of love, family, and adventure.

Carolyn’s early work included time on Monterey’s Cannery Row, followed by a position as a telephone line assigner for Pacific Bell in Richmond. She took pride in being part of one of Monterey’s earliest families, the Silveria's, and lived her life with remarkable strength and resilience walking on her treadmill well into her 90s, even astonishing her doctors by walking the very next day after breaking her femur at age 85. Throughout her life, she supported Jack’s long career with Pacific Gas and Electric Company, relocating with him and their children from Monterey to Salinas, then Richmond, and finally Red Bluff. After Jack’s retirement, they moved to Hollister to be closer to family and begin their next chapter together.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack, her son, Alan; her parents and her siblings, Elaine Vaughn, Theresa Kelly, Anna G. Kalichstein, and Michael Featherstone Jr.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon O'Reilly (Pat); son, Martin Owens (Jeanne); daughter-in-law, Lois Owens; grandchildren, Allison, Aron, Matthew, Christopher, and Kellie; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Charlotte Vaughn and Maureen O’Keefe, and her treasured feline companion, Spikey. She also leaves behind numerous cherished nieces and nephews who knew her as the “stylish” aunt and a spirited woman who always said exactly what was on her mind—right or wrong.

Carolyn lived with passion. She loved taking her kids water skiing, riding dirt bikes, fiercely competitive domino games with her grandchildren, and hosting unforgettable holidays. After moving to Ridgemark Golf Course in 1994, she spent many joyful years golfing and achieving two holes in one in tournament play. She enjoyed a good Jack Daniels & 7up from time to time. She enjoyed being a mother not only to her children but to countless neighborhood cats despite Jack's "cat re-location" efforts.

She adored her father and often reminisced about running out to meet him with her sister Charlotte after his long walks home from work. Anyone lucky enough to experience a goodbye from Carolyn will never forget her driveway “grito”—a joyful and loud “Aye Yai Yai Yai Yai!!!!” that could echo for blocks.

Carolyn Maureen Owens was fierce, loving, funny, and unforgettable. She was truly one of a kind. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, independence, laughter, and deep family connection that will carry on for generations.

In honoring her memory, the family encourages all who knew her to raise a glass, share a story, and never hesitate to speak their minds—just as she would have wanted.

Anyone who wishes to make a memorial gift, please visit bestfriends.org. and from the main menu select donate in memory of Carolyn Owens.