Linda Cehlarik Owens

Joseph and Viola Cehlarik welcomed their first daughter, Linda Christine, on July 3, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan. After growing up in St. Clair Shores, MI, Linda lived in many cities across the country before retiring in Mobile, Alabama. On August 3, 2025, she passed away peacefully at the University of South Alabama Medical Center.

Linda was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, aunt, and a true leader in early childhood education. Her dedication to the service of others defined every chapter of her life—beginning as a teenager helping her parents, continuing through the years spent raising her own children, and culminating in a remarkable career supporting those who educate our youth.

She is survived by her best friend and husband of 56 years, Timothy J. Owens; their daughter, Pamala Nye; and their beloved poodle, Lucy. She was predeceased by their daughter, Elizabeth Ann Butler, and is survived by her son-in-law, Steve Butler. She was cherished as Grandma “O” by Emmaleigh (Stephen) and Zachary Butler.

Linda was the older sister and lifelong friend to Nancy (Lanny) Whiteley. She was predeceased by her sister Cathy Ghazi and is survived by her brother-in-law, Ghazi Ghazi. She was a beloved aunt to Bahia (Jamin) Buss and A. Chelsea Swendson, and a great-aunt to Levi & Fiona Buss, Zachary Harbin, Mary Jo & Lucas Brault. Linda leaves behind a host of cousins, friends, and many others whose lives she impacted deeply.

Throughout her distinguished career, Linda held titles ranging from Director to Chief Operating Officer within the early childhood education field. Whether revitalizing struggling centers or building programs from the ground up, she brought visionary leadership rooted in community, inclusivity, and progress—always ahead of her time.

After retiring to Mobile, AL, Linda and her niece began developing The People’s Architect, a company dedicated to empowering future educators. Her passion for teaching and mentorship ensured that her legacy would live on for generations.

Linda loved her family—biological, extended, and chosen—with fierce devotion. Her pride in their accomplishments radiated in every room she entered. She never missed a chance to support those she loved, was always eager to learn something new, and approached life with humility and gratitude.

She was intelligent, innovative, bold, and grateful. She often reflected in disbelief that it all began 60 years ago—when, at just 16, she said yes to her very first date with Tim. Together, they built a life full of love, purpose, and impact.

The family invites all who knew and loved Linda to a Memorial Mass on August 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Little Flower Catholic Church. Guests are welcome to arrive early. A luncheon will immediately follow at 2770 Brierwood Dr., Mobile, AL 36606.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Lung Cancer Foundation of America in Linda’s honor.