Claudia Jean Owen

Owen, Claudia Jean
August 6, 1924 - October 19, 2010
Claudia Jean Owen (Bishop) died peacefully in Irvine with her daughters on October 19, 2010. She had suffered for several years from Alzheimer's disease.

She is survived by her loving daughters and sons-in-law, Pamela C. Hunter and Jefferson Hunter of Massachusetts; Sally O. McKenzie and Stuart A. McKenzie of Irvine, CA; and her son Lloyd John Owen of Bryn Mawr, CA. She leaves her beloved grandchildren Margaret C. Hunter (Ulrich Maier), Rebecca K. Hunter(Niles Cole), Andrew H. Hunter, Janelle Clemmons, Cara Jeanne Clemmons, Andrew B. McKenzie and Ian S. McKenzie, and step-grandchildren David and Michelle McKenzie, and Michele McKenzie(Tim Scott). She also leaves behind her loving brother and sister-in-law Richard and Marie Bishop, and aunt Virginia Hawksley.

Claudia was a third-generation native Californian. Born in Oakland, she lived in Van Nuys, Los Angeles, and since 1960, Newport Beach. She graduated from Van Nuys High School. She attended the University of California at Berkeley, and was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority. She was a life-long Cal fan, supporting the university and its sports teams.

She was also a life-long Girl Scout, starting as a member of a troop in Van Nuys, and later leading her daughters' troops in Los Angeles and Newport Beach. She served as president of the Orange County Girl Scouts in the 1960's and 70's. She remained an active volunteer in community and conservation circles, including the creation of the Environmental Nature Center in Newport Beach, and served as a docent at the Sea and Sage Audubon Society of Orange County. She served on the Newport Beach Parks, Beach and Recreation Commission. She was a member of Stop Polluting Our Newport.

She loved music and opera, and served as president of the Orange County Philharmonic Society. Later in life she enjoyed extensive travels around the world including to Russia, Greece, Ireland, and Patagonia.

Her family and friends will all miss her strong spirit and love of family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Environmental Nature Center, Newport Beach, CA; the Northampton Community Music Center, Northampton, MA; or to a charity of your choice.