Mary Elyn Zerwer

Owney was the daughter of the late Robert Donald Zerwer and Mary Joyce Williams Zerwer. She was born in Chicago, Illinois but grew up in Hixson, Tennessee. She graduated from Hixson High in 1974. She furthered her education at Middle Tennessee State University, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Sociology. She then moved near family to Jacksonville, Florida and worked as a Property Manager. Although she developed many lasting friendships while in Florida, she returned home after her father’s passing to help care for her mom and sister, Debbie. That is when she found her true calling, working at Orange Grove Center, where she devotedly served for 27 years. She loved her individuals, always fought for them, and displayed kindness and loyalty to everyone. Even after retirement, due to her passion and dedication to the mission, she continued to work in Supportive Living homes.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Deborah Lee “Debbie” Zerwer.

Survivors include her sisters, Robin Ann Skillern (Bob) of Covington, Louisiana and Leslie Jane Hutchins (Paul) of Jacksonville, Florida; her brother, Richard Thomas Zerwer of Sparta, Tennessee; her nieces and nephews, Patrick Skillern (Becky), Andrew Skillern (Amanda), Cameron Doyle (Graham), Christopher Hutchins (Dawn), and Kathryn Kerley (Matt); nine great-nieces/nephews, Averie, Aidan, Sam, Jake, Rylie, Ian, Gabby, Madelyn and Ethan; and one great-great niece, Luna.

Owney will be sorely missed by her family and friends. She was a fun and uplifting spirit, always believing in others and encouraging them to reach their fullest potential. Owney had a big heart and loved her family and friends dearly. She was the sole caregiver for Debbie, who was her life, for twenty years. She was the “cool hippie” of the family, her laid-back personality consistently conveyed a message of “Life is short, don’t sweat the small stuff!” She was beautiful inside and out, full of style and enjoyed changing her haircut and color regularly. She was a champion napper who loved her chocolate and Diet Coke and a staunch animal lover, often adopting from shelters or taking in strays. She leaves behind two dogs, Ike and Oreo and her cat, Kitty Boy whom she loved dearly. They have been relocated to loving homes.

There will be a private Memorial in Ely, Minnesota at a later date, where Owney will be laid to rest with family.

The family would like to thank the staff at Gentle Hands Hospice for their special care and her friends at Orange Grove Center for their continued support.

Please consider making contributions in Owney’s memory to:

Orange Grove Center

615 Derby Street

Chattanooga, TN 37404

Orangegrovecenter.org

Announcement by Chattanooga Funeral Home - North Chapel, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343