Obituary of Marilyn J. Owen

Marilyn J. Owen, wife to David Owen (deceased) and mother to Patricia Ford of South Bend, IN, Michael Owen of Hilton Head Island, and Mark Owen of Zirconia, NC passed away comfortably on Thursday, March 14^th.  In addition to her children, Marilyn is survived by her five grandchildren Carolyn Penn, Kristen English Owen, David Ford, Robert Owen, Tom G. Varik, and three great-grandchildren.   

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Marilyn was raised in Buffalo, NY. She attended college at Albion College, in Michigan shortly after WWII, where she met her husband, David.  

After college they settled in Cleveland, Ohio, where they raised their family, volunteered in the community, and made many lifelong friends. Marilyn worked at Halle’s Brothers Department store in the Interiors Department, while also completing her degree from Cleveland State University. Shortly after completing her degree, Marilyn opened Cleveland Interiors, a women owned business that serviced a variety of corporate accounts in the area, including Oberlin College. 

In 2005 David and Marilyn moved to Hilton Head Plantation to enjoy their retirement. However, retirement was not really on Marilyn’s mind. Once arriving in Hilton Head, Marilyn became a certified docent for both Savanah and Beaufort, SC. She drove the vans for Gray Line Tours and entertained guests with stories about the historic architectural landmarks and the old antebellum south. 

For over twenty years, Marilyn was also an active volunteer at Hilton Head Island’s original thrift store, The Bargain Box. Marilyn and David were active members at Hilton Head Yacht Club, where Marilyn enjoyed the Nauti Ladies and Friday evening dinners. Marilyn regularly attended church service at Bluffton United Methodist Church and will be greatly missed by family and many friends.   

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Bluffton Methodist Church, 101 Calhoun Street, Bluffton, SC 29910 with the service beginning at 2:00pm. A reception for family and friends will follow.

As an expression of sympathy, and in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to Shriners Children’s Hospital, Attn Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394. Please make checks payable to:  Shriners Children’s and add on the memo line:  IMO Marilyn Owen.

Online giving at: www.lovetotherescue.org/memorial-gifts/  or by calling: 844-739-0849.

Scottish Prayer: May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.