Sylvia L. Owens

Sylvia L. Owens, beloved mother and grandmother, passed into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 9, 2026, at the age of 91. Born in Alpena, Michigan on October 30, 1934, to the late Louis and Louise (Fradette) Skiba, Sylvia lived a faith-filled life marked by loving kindness and selfless care for others.

On June 19, 1954, she married William “Eddie” Owens Jr. at St. Anne Catholic Church. Together they built a life centered on family, gathering often at their home on Grand Lake. Their love and appreciation for one another deepened through sixty-six years of marriage.

Sylvia managed her household while pursuing her education, earning an associate degree from Alpena Community College and graduating cum laude with a BS in Social Work from Ferris State University. She became a State Licensed Social Worker and dedicated herself to her community, serving on the ACC Board of Trustees, Friendship Room Board, Catholic Human Services Board, Homeless Coalition Board, NEMROC Board, and multiple Ministerial Boards within the Catholic Community. Her career included managing an eight-county senior citizen program, working as an employment counselor, and serving as administrator for what is now known as Medilodge of Alpena on Long Rapids Road.

Guided by her life goal to develop her potential to please her Creator and touch the lives of others in His name, Sylvia served as Director of Religious Education at St. Bernard Church and Pastoral Minister at St. Anne Church. She helped found and direct what is now known as Options Pregnancy Center of Alpena, supporting women in unplanned pregnancies, and remained active with St. Vincent de Paul. Above all, she treasured her family. She was a devoted mother to her seven children: Michelle (Gary) Smith, Steven (Vickie) Owens, Lori (Jon) Person, Kerry Owens, Nina (Jerry) Irwin, Harry (Karen) Owens of Pennsylvania, and Rebecca (Lee) Male of Florida. She was the loving and proud grandmother of eighteen grandchildren: Rachel, Jessica, Jami, Melissa, Christopher, Angie, Jessica, Jennifer, Kristen, Jonathan, Taressa, Jeremy, Andrea, Carson, Corey, Samantha, Lee Jr., and Kathirine; and the great-grandmother of thirty great-grandchildren: Reid, Sawyer, Emma, Luke, Grace, Joseph, Brendan, Tomick, Addie, Ryder, Christopher, AJ, John, Mark, Mary, Hailey, Liam, Clare, Luke, Alexander, Henryk, Aiden, Bailee, Ashley, Sylvia, Ryanna, Roxanne, Ra-Chel, Isadell, and Genevieve. She is also survived by three great-great-grandchildren: Saige, Salem, and Syris.

Sylvia is also survived by her sister, Carol Skiba; niece Jeni Frazee; nephews Jim Donajkowski, Keith and Scott Skiba; and great-nieces Jane Male and Aimee Donajkowski. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie; her infant son, William Edward III; her grandson, Christopher Owens; her sister, Anne Rue; and her brother, Fred Skiba.