In Loving Memory
Christel Owens
Christel Brass Owens, nee Christel Maria Brass, age 84, passed away peacefully on New Year’s Eve 2020 in Florida surrounded by her family. She was born in Wuppertal, Germany on May 12, 1936 to Herta and Karl.
At age 21, Christel bravely moved to Chicago on her own. She had always dreamed of having a large family of her own. She met John “Jack” Owens on a blind date. They married and moved to Park Ridge to live in the same home for over 50 years. Christel was an accountant at Voit Rubber, but after having children, she devoted her life to her children, extended family, and her community. Christel’s love of children led to an active role inspiring the youth of her community by being a Cub Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout leader, soccer coach, and volunteering at each of her children’s schools often working behind the scenes to help others. As her children became adults, she volunteered for over 35 years in Park Ridge. As a volunteer Vice President of the Park Ridge Fine Arts Society, she raised the highest funds ever for this charity. As an accountant for the Park Ridge Senior Center, she successfully defended them from two IRS audits. She organized and funded yearly celebrations for over 20 years for her extended family (typically 100 relatives in attendance).
Loving wife of John “Jack” Owens. Beloved mother of John (Pam), Christine, Dawn (Stephanie), Kevin (Chris), and Robert (Erin). Dearest grandmother of Kayla (Breiton), Carissa, John Rinn, Alexa, Brianna, Mary Lynn, and Catherine. Dear sister of the late Erich (Sofie) Brass, the late Klaus (Ute) Brass, and the late Erika (Wolfgang) Oschwald. Fond Aunt and dear friend to many.
A life lived with love deserves to be remembered with love. We hope you can join us in celebrating her life, virtually during any of the events scheduled this week. Please scroll down to see the schedule of events below, and register for the ceremonies that you wish to attend.
Virtual Wake
Thursday, January 7
5:00 – 8:00 PM US Central Time
Friday, January 8
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM US Central Time
Live-Streamed Funeral Mass
Saturday, January 9
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM US Central Time
Virtual Celebration of Life
Saturday, January 9
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM US Central Time (Doors open at 1:30 PM)
Christel would want us to celebrate her life the same way she lived it with passion, so join us in sharing stories about her life.
When you register, you will receive a confirmation email with your registration information (please check your Spam folder if you don’t see it). You only need to register once to receive confirmation information for all of the virtual ceremonies.
Information for Attendees
The virtual gatherings will be held via Zoom.
If you do not already have Zoom, please download the application by clicking on the button below.
On the Day of the Ceremony
To join the gatherings via videoconference, open your registration email and click on the link that says “Click Here to Join.” To join via phone, dial 312-626-6799 and enter the Meeting ID listed in your confirmation email.
If you need assistance, feel free to email hello@lightenarrangements.com or call 312-373-0847.
Donations
If you wish to honor Christel’s legacy of helping others, we suggest a donation to one of the following non-profit organizations in lieu of flowers: Park Ridge Fine Arts Society or Treasure Coast Hospice
Guestbook
Please join us in celebrating Christel’s life by sharing your stories and memories of her.
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Photos of Christel
If you have a photo that you would like to submit here to share with Christel’s family, please email them to hello@lightenarrangements.com
Thoughts and prayers to all of you as you mourn Christel’s passing but celebrate a lif very well lived. I will remember her as a kind and generous lady. Bless her, bless all of you.
Thank you, Ken
Those who love us never go away. Christel’s spirit will always be with you. Celebrating an elegant lady who was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Peace be with your family always.
I remember that first time I met Mrs. Owen. She was stunningly beautiful inside and out. I told myself, now I see where Christine gets her looks from. She had such a kindred spirit with a beautiful smile that would light up any room.
I know your mom must of been so proud of you to have such a devoted daughter.
May you rest in heaven. ?✝️?
The joy Christel brought to our lives will not be forgotten. Some of my fondest memories are because of the many family reunions and Christmas gatherings that Jack and Christel hosted. My heart ❤️ goes out to all of you. Peace and blessings in this time of sadness.
Mrs. Owens, you blessed and enriched my life by allowing me to be part of your family (especially during the holiday seasons) and supporting me (inviting me into your home while I studied and took the bar exam then accompanying me to the ceremony after I passed the exam) when my family couldn’t be there. Now, I see we had something in common, i.e., we both moved to Chicago on our own. I love you and will carry you in my heart always. (Thank you Christine for introducing me to your parents. This proved to be one of the most important introductions of my life.)
We are so sorry for your loss. Your wife was such a lovely woman and she will be missed dearly. Sending so much love to you all. We will keep you and the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear John and Owens family: our deepest condolences to all of you from the Ríos family in Bolivia, Germany, and the US. We are praying for Christel and wish she RIP.
Thank you Mauricio and to the whole Rios family ?
It was one of my memorable pleasures in life spending time with Cristel. Her devotion and care for everyone she knew will be missed
I feel so honored to have known lovely Christel since she first came to Chicago
and to have had the privilege of introducing her to my dear friend Jack.
She was always such a generous, accepting, caring, genuine and beautiful person.
Now she is with our Risen Christ. God comfort and bless the good Owens family.
Jack and the Owens Family,
My condolences for this loss. May the Lord comfort and sustain you.