Search by Name

Search by Name

Iris Owens Obituary

OWENS--Iris, Novelist, died May 20. Survived by devoted family and friends. Memorial Gathering June 23 at 7pm. 114 -8th Ave. She will be deeply missed.

Published by New York Times from Jun. 15 to Jun. 16, 2008.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Iris Owens

Not sure what to say?





Iris and I were ex-wives in law to the Persian Prince in Hope Diamond Refuses. The character of Joann is very loosely fashioned after me (although the Prince and I never had children, I never lived in Iran and Iris had long since moved on from the Prince).

My favorite Iris story relates to the time that she lost her taste for cigarettes and didn't smoke for a period of 2 months.

"Thank goodness," she concluded in her inimitable throaty voice, "I was finally able to pull myself together and smoke again."

I miss her. The world is not the same.

Judy Walenta

September 7, 2009

Not that it matters, except to those of us who were lucky enought to be part of the expat scene in Paris in the Fifties, but the restaurant where Iris taught me how to eat an artichaut vinaigrette was Chez Augustin, not Julien. It was on the rue de la Seine and it was magical. Oh Iris, so sorry you are gone!

Harriet Sohmers Zwerling

July 5, 2008

In the end -- love is the only thing of value in the human experience. And love is found only in relationships. It follows, therefore, that the Emperor who lacks love is a pauper, while the pauper who has love -- owns the world.

The smiles that lit up whenever my favorite Aunt Iris entered the room confirmed that she was blessed with a very rich life.

Iris' ashes are scattered by the beach in Biscayne Bay, at Matheson Hammock, in Coral Gables Florida - the City of her nieces' and nephew's birth -- and the site of our family's collective happiest memories.

They say that home is where the heart is. But, truly, the heart is where the home is. And in that way, Aunt Iris, you will always have a home, in our loving hearts.

We miss you.

Hillard Fried, Esq.

July 1, 2008

Iris is the matriarch of a univeresal family. Her sudden departure has left us bereft. She was the first woman writer of erotica to be published in the 20th Century. So documented at the British Museum, London. She was a feminist by action, a unique presence who rarely lost her generosity or loyalty regardless of the relative hardships. She was attached to the teachings of Krishnamurti. A part of me has gone.
marilyn meeske sorel

marilyn meeske sorel

June 27, 2008

I knew Iris in Paris in the great years of the Fifties. She taught me how to eat an artichoke in Chez Julien one of our favorite restaurants. Sorry I didn't see more of her in recent years.
Harriet Sohmers Zwerling

Harriet Sohmers Zwerling

June 22, 2008

I never met Iris, nor was I able to correspond with her during the course of my work on a bibliography of the Paris Olympia Press, but nevertheless greatly
valued her work for Maurice Girodias, the founder of the Olympia Press. Together with Marilyn Meeske, John Stevenson and the other contributors to that wonderful series of green jacketed novels, she helped return, briefly, a sense of dignity and quality to erotic writing that had been wanting from English literature since the 18th century.

Patrick Kearney

June 20, 2008

I will always miss you Iris. My loving respects to your friends and family. Bon Voyage,
Judy.

Judy Jones

June 16, 2008

We met and became close friends in college. We hadn't been in touch for a few years, which I regret deeply. I loved her caustic wit. The world will be duller without her.

Naomi Mark

June 16, 2008

Iris was a beloved and irreplaceable friend who will be terribly missed. With her lively wit, sharp intelligence and endless curiosity, she was forever young.

Bonnie Egan

June 16, 2008

test

Linda Pallot

June 15, 2008

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

Make a Donation
in Iris Owens's name

Memorial Events
for Iris Owens

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Iris's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Iris Owens's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more