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 leaves behind a beautiful example of a faith-filled life evidenced in her 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 filled with many special family gatherings at their Grand Lake home. As the years passed, their love and appreciation for one another deepened and they enjoyed sixty-six years of marriage together.

During those sixty-six years, Sylvia not only managed her busy household, but also earned an associate degree from Alpena Community College, graduated cum laude with a BS in Social Work from Ferris State University, and became a State Licensed Social Worker. She dedicated her life 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 education led her into various jobs from managing an eight-county senior citizen program, to working as an employment counselor, and as administrator for what is now known as Medilodge of Alpena, Long Rapids Rd.

Her written life goal was “…to develop my potential to the best of my ability so as to please my Creator and touch the lives of others in His name.” This creed was clearly evidenced in her continual service to her Lord and her faith community. She loved working with children and happily filled the role Director of Religious Education at St. Bernard Church and Pastoral Minister at St. Anne church for many years.

Sylvia’s compassion and dedication to the sanctity of life compelled her to help found and direct what is now knows as Options Pregnancy Center of Alpena, where she assisted and supported many women in unplanned / crisis pregnancies. She was active in St. Vincent de Paul, helping meet the needs of many.

Sylvia often declared that her family was her greatest treasure and the impact she made on each family member leaves a lasting legacy. 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.

Sylvia 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; 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, Genevieve; and three great-great grandchildren Saige, Salem, and Syris. Each one held a special place in her heart.

In addition, she is survived by her sister, Carol Skiba; niece Jeni Frazee; nephews Jim Donajkowski, Keith and Scott Skiba; and great nieces, Jane Male and Aimee Donajkowski.

Sylvia is preceded in death by her husband, Eddie; her infant son, William Edward III; her grandson, Christoper Owens; her sister, Anne Rue, and her brother, Fred Skiba.

As we celebrate her life, may we be inspired by the shining example of her unwavering faith which overflowed in a genuine love and care of others. She will be dearly missed by her family and all whose lives she touched.

Visitation will be held at A.E. Ross Funeral Home in Alpena on Friday March 20, 2026, from 4 PM until 8 PM, with a Prayer Service at 7 PM. Visitation will continue on Saturday, at St. Anne Catholic Church of All Saints Parish from 10 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM with Father Aloysius Okpala as celebrant. Sylvia will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the many compassionate staff of Touch of Country Care Home, Medilodge of Greenview, and Compassus Alpena Hospice for their wonderful care and support.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution to Options Pregnancy Center or St. Vincent de Paul