Desiree Owens

Desiree Rene Owens, Desi

Desiree Rene Owens, Desi, age 50, died peacefully surrounded by family and friends who loved her, and her spouse and soul mate, Leslie Ross, on August 18, 2013 at 12:50am.

During her brief medical illness, Desi approached the challenges, as she lived life, with grace and humanity, courage, and dignity.

She is survived by her life partner and spouse of twenty-two years, Leslie Ross; her sister, Sonin Lee; her nephew, Joshua Lee; and mother and step-father Ramona and Robert Townsend.

Desi was admired and adored by all who knew her, for her kindness, generosity of spirit, playful repartee, and wonderful wry sense of humor. Her interactions with all were both ethereal and substantial, a delicate balance she did with grace and ease.

She was especially passionate for the care and dignity of older adults. A passion that was born from her loving relationship with her grandmother ("Gran"). Desi was unique in her ability to quickly form close and intimate relationships with elders.

Desi accomplished and contributed much during her life that will endure, but to all that have been fortunate to know her, it is the experience of Desi that is eternal. Our hearts our heavy with the loss of Desi, a beautiful and gentle soul.

She was preceded in death by her father, Albert T. Owens, Jr. (Ted).

She is also survived by the dearest of friends; and her furry four-legged family: dogs - Lolita and Dexter ("LolaDex"), and cat - Vegas.

A memorial gathering for family, friends, and colleagues will be announced at a later date.

The family requests that memorials be sent to elder care organizations, such as Alzheimer's Services of the East Bay (aseb.org); organizations providing dignity and a creative voice for older individuals, such as Stagebridge in Oakland (stagebridge.org); animal rights and rescue organizations, such as the Milo Foundation (milofoundation.org); or organizations supporting equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender, questioning and intersexed individuals.