Torill Owen

1955 - 2024

Torill Owen
July 15, 1955 - September 22, 2024
Torill "TJ" Owen, aged 69, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 22, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was surrounded by family and at peace in her final moments.
TJ was born in 1955 in Oslo, Norway to Lars and Bjorg Jensen. Lars and Bjorg introduced TJ to the forests and mountains of Norway early on which fostered her lifelong love of the outdoors.
TJ was a talented athlete, competing in both running and cross country skiing. In 1978 she was selected to travel to the US with the Norwegian National Team. Following that, TJ attended the University of Wyoming where she was a three sport athlete and four time letter winner (Cross Country running, Nordic Skiing, and Outdoor Track and Field). She was an All-American in Nordic skiing, and in 1982, she and her teammates won the 4x5km NCAA Championship relay race.
University of Wyoming is also where she met her future husband Hugh. After marrying at Norwegian Seaman's Church in San Francisco, they eventually settled back in East Wenatchee to raise their two daughters.
In 1987 TJ began a 20 year coaching career when she became the head coach for the Leavenworth Winter Sports Club (LWSC). As a coach, TJ shared her love for skiing and running with her athletes and everyone she met. She was beloved by her athletes for her passion, knowledge, and playful spirit. She was a female coach in an era where there were few.
In her later years, TJ enjoyed being outdoors in other ways. She was a member of the infamous B-team and the Tuesday morning Kayak group through the Wenatchee Boat and Paddle Club.
TJ was a long time member of the local Sons of Norway group and avid knitter. She excelled at traditional Norwegian patterns and there was a special occasion, a baby born to friends or family, she was right there with a handmade blanket or beautiful hat.
TJ was a devoted grandmother who cherished her deep connections with her grandchildren, both of whom have definitely inherited her mysterious side and joy for life.
TJ is survived by her husband of 42 years, Hugh Owen; her daughters, Kristina and Tanja (Robbie), grandchildren (Anari and Archer), and her brother Atle and his family. She will be remembered for her indomitable spirit, her love for the outdoors, and her unwavering commitment to the people she loved.
A celebration of TJ's life will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Mission Ridge Lodge. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www.wenatcheerowpaddleclub.org or www.sharewinterfoundation.org in honor of TJ's legacy.