Geraldine Ann (Bushell) Owens

Geraldine Ann Bushell Owens, the fifth of six children of John and Louise Bushell, was born and raised in Peoria, IL. She attended St. Mary’s Academy in Nauvoo, IL, before moving on to St. John’s Nursing School where she was pinned as an RN. In the summer of 1956 she met Arthur P. Owens on a blind date and married him three months later on Thanksgiving Day. They enjoyed a loving marriage for 52 years until Art succumbed to cancer in 2009. She is survived by her eight children: Mary Becker (Bill); Julie Mullan (Normand); John Owens (Coleen); Catherine Rees (Brad); Karen Graffam (Robert); Colette Lawrence (Rick); Sheila Owens (Parker, dec.); Ellen Przybocki (Mark); and blessed with many wonderful grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jeri took a great interest in art, music, and travel, and she loved to learn. Reading was a favorite pastime, and even when her vision failed her, she always had an audible book playing. She accepted her challenges with grace and was the first one to laugh at herself. She had an impeccable memory and used her medical knowledge to manage her multiple diagnoses. She volunteered countless hours to hospice, literacy programs, and her church. Daily mass was important to her, and she lived a life of faith in God. Her devotion to her faith touched many lives, providing a constant voice of support and encouragement to her entire family. Her million dollar smile will surely be missed.

Family & Friends may gather at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church (On the grounds of Charlestown Senior Living Community) for a Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 9:00 am. Parking is available in the Carriage House lot. To get there, turn left at the front gate and take the first left into the lot for easiest access to the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Geraldine’s favorite charities – Little Sisters of the Poor .