Nelle Jean Owen, 73, of Canton, Pa., passed away Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016 at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre.

Nelle Jean was born on Jan. 12, 1943 in Canton, a daughter of the late Edward Owen and Harriett (Miller) Bower. She was a 1960 graduate of Canton High School and later studied at the Jean Summers Business School in Elmira. Nelle Jean was employed several years with Canton's Parker Hannifin Corp. before retiring. In earlier years, she worked at the Ampex Corp, U.S. Merchant and Marine Academy and the Kings Point Sewing Factory. Nelle Jean was always one to stay busy and had many interests and hobbies. She was a good cook. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, cross-stitch and she played many a game of Euchre and Cribbage with family and friends. Nelle Jean also loved to go camping and was a talented bowler. For over 24 years she coached bowling to kids. Most important to Nelle Jean was spending time with her family and every Thanksgiving was a very special blessing. In earlier years she was a member of Grover's St. John's United Methodist Church.

Surviving are her four children, Kay (Verlin) Kerns of Watertown, N.Y., Tessa Page (James Neal) of Mansfield, Corina Saxon of Harrisburg and John "J.J." (Erica) Woodward of Jupiter, Fla.; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; nine sisters and brothers, Cheryl (Dale) Neitz, Linda Jackson, James (Marlene) Bower, Peggy (Paul) Bennett, Linda Demarc, Ginny Bower, Blanche Bower, John Bower and Diane Bower; an aunt, Alice Owen; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and faithful dog Prince.

A memorial service in celebration of her life will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 1 at Pepper Funeral Home, 578 Springbrook Drive, Canton. Burial will be in Grover Cemetery at a later date.

Those who wish may consider a donation in Nelle Jean's memory to a charity of one's choice. Share condolences at pepperfuneralhomes.com.