Hazel Swicegood OWEN

OWEN, Hazel Swicegood, passed away on October 20, 2009 at age 97. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Paul Vernon Owen; one son, Ronald D. Owen; brothers, Carlis Swicegood and William Hinton. Mrs. Owen was born in Danville, Va., but has resided in Richmond, Va. since 1943. Upon arriving in Richmond, she was hired by Mr. William Thalhimer to work in the Linen Department of Thalhimer's Department Store. Always looking for a new challenge, she did promotional work for FFV cookies, was a home economist for Miller & Rhoads Department Store, a Farberware representative, where she had the pleasure of cooking with Julia Childs for a demonstration at Thalhimer's. Last but not least, a beloved antique dealer, she was older than some of the antiques she sold. She and Paul opened their first antique shop in 1974 in White Stone, Northern Neck. Antiques were always her greatest love and she never lost interest. She continued dealing and appraising long after her retirement to Westminster Canterbury, and she never lost the thrill of finding that special something. While at Westminster Canterbury, she started several programs - "Get Acquainted for New Residents," "Sing Alongs," "Sunday Movie and Popcorn," and sponsored occasional dances for the residents in celebration of her birthday and Valentine's Day. She was a member of Reveille United Methodist Church and Grace & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. She was past president of ACCA Temple Women's Club and past president of Richmond Home Economics Association. She was also a member of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Virginia Historical Society. She was active in the little theater groups and loved to dance, especially the Charleston. She will be dearly missed by her family and the many friends whose lives she enriched. She is survived by one son, David S. Owen and wife, Nancy; two daughters, Jane O. Harlan and husband, David, Pamela O. James and husband, William; nine grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and one brother, Adrian Swicegood and wife, Betty. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 11 a.m. at Westminster Canterbury Commons, 1550 Westbrook Court. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Westminster Canterbury Employees Christmas Fund or Westminster Canterbury Fellowship Fund, 1600 Westbrook Ave., Richmond, Va. 23227. The family sends special thanks to the staff on the third floor of Parsons Health Care who cared for our very special Mom.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.