Owen, Charlotte Louise Ann Arbor, MI Age 86, passed away December 18, 2004.
Char lotte was born January 31, 1918 in Minne apolis, MN daughter of the
late John Alfred and Grace Louise Plummer. Charlotte earned a BA in Music
from the University of Oregon and taught Instrumental Music Education in the
LaGrande, OR Public Schools. A highlight of Charlotte's life was being the
conductor of the Women's Marine Corps Reserve Band during World War II; it
was here she met Charles Earl Owen, Principal Percussion and Soloist with
the U.S. Marine Band for 20 years. The couple were married in 1945. Over her
career Charlotte had numerous accomplishments including being First
Clarinet in the Arlington Symphony in VA. When Mr. Owen joined the
Philadelphia Orches tra she was Principal Clarinet in the Main Line Symphony
in PA. She conducted the Ann Arbor Summer Civic Band for 16 years through
the summer of 2001; and she also shared her knowledge as a private clarinet
and saxophone teacher for 55 years. Charlotte was active in many
organizations including the Mu Phi Epsilon Profession al Music Sorority for
over 60 years; she was a member of the Marine Corps League, Rotary
International, Women Band Directors International and she was a life member
of the Association of Concert Bands. Until last summer she was a 25 year
member of the Huron Valley Tennis Club. Her career and activities earned her
many awards and recognitions including receiving the Distinguished Alumna
Award from the University of Oregon School of Music and on September 30th
of this year she was awarded the D.A.R. Woman Of The Year Award. During all
this time Charlotte remained a lifetime member of the Christian Science
Church. Survivors include her daughter, Susan Louise Owen-Bissiri, her
grandson, Matthew D. Bissiri, her grand daughter, Julie Louise Patter son
and husband Dale Patter son. In addition to her parents she was preceded in
death by her husband, Charles Earl Owen and a son, Charles John Owen. A
memorial service for Charlotte will be held in Mid February. A newspaper announcement with date and time will be run on January 30th. In lieu of
flowers memorial contributions may be made to the family for the Memorial
Fund and establishment of a Charlotte Owen Music Scholarship. Arrangements
by NIE FAMILY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE
Published in the Ann Arbor News on MLive.com on 12/27/2004.