Janice K. (Jan) Owens, 84, of Roeland Park, Ks, peacefully completed her earthly journey to heavenly eternity at home with family at her side on April 18, 2023. A celebration of her life and a Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, April 26, at 10:00am at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 5250 Mission Rd in Roeland Park, KS. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery following the luncheon at 1:00pm. The Rosary will be prayed at 5:15 p.m. with the visitation on Tuesday, April 25, from 5pm-7pm and visitation on Wednesday, April 26, from 9am-10am at the church.
Jan was born in Oklahoma City, OK. She wanted it known that she came to be because of her mother's courage in refusing an abortion when the doctors were insisting on it. Both she and her mother lived. She enjoyed a vibrant childhood and graduated as the Outstanding Senior Woman from the University of Oklahoma in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. She worked for IBM as a systems analyst and was among the female pioneers working in the male-dominated world of converting information and data into newly developed computer processing technology. In 1962 she married the love of her life James J. (Jim) Owens and began her life as his wife and as mother to 5 wonderful miracles of life.
Jan was very actively involved in her children’s lives, from being a Boy & Girl Scouts den mother, a dedicated soccer and cross-country mom, and serving on the St. Agnes and Bishop Miege school boards, to her over 13 years of serving on the board of Bishop Miege Mother’s Club, with one year as President. She then adeptly guided her children through their college careers at the University of Notre Dame and Loyola University New Orleans.
Jan was recognized as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, friend to anyone, counselor and advisor, social servant, and avid volunteer. She cherished her Catholic faith and served as lay minister and on the parish council. She enjoyed sewing, various home crafts, gardening, and cooking for her family and for parish bake sales and luncheons. She volunteered with and served on the board for Catholic Charity’s Emergency Assistance Center. She enjoyed searching garage sales for items to donate to Catholic Charity’s Refugee Resettlement program. She volunteered at Safehome for abused women and served passionately with Advice and Aid Pregnancy Center and the Wyandotte Pregnancy Clinic.
Jan is the author of Tangible Gifts of the Spirit, a guide to newly married couples and those looking to renew their commitments based on her 60-year marriage. She took great pleasure in sharing her book with friends, family, and parishioners, and hearing how her gifts had helped strengthen their relationships.
Jan is survived by her lifetime loving husband Jim of 60 years and her five children: daughter Mary Aimone and husband Greg of Long Beach, CA with grandchildren Patrick (wife Francie) and Jared; son John and wife Julie of Overland Park, KS with grandchildren Jack, Ryan, Preston, Conner, and Sophia; son Michael and wife Rebecca of Bonn, Germany with grandchildren Conor and Roya; son Joseph of Evergreen, CO; son James and wife Jessie of The Hague, The Netherlands with grandson Nathaniel; and by her brother Roy W. Hann and wife Martha of Gause, TX.
Jan requested no flowers and contributions would be welcomed in her memory to St. Agnes Parish, to the J. J. Owens Family Scholarship Fund at Donnelly College, or to the charity of your choice dedicated to assisting the poor.