Claire G. Owen

July 7, 1920 - February 11, 2017

COLEBROOK— Claire G. Owen, 96, of Colebrook, passed away early Saturday morning, Feb. 11, 2017, at the Coos County Nursing Hospital in W. Stewartstown surrounded by members of her loving family. She was born in Bath, Me., on July 7, 1920, a daughter to the late Matthew and Adelle (Moore) Greenleaf. Claire was raised in Sanford, Me., and graduated from Farmington State Normal School in 1941. She began a long teaching career at the Cone School in Columbia, NH, that same fall. Claire came to the Colebrook school to teach 6th grade in 1943. Her teaching career in Colebrook continued for the next 34 years, where she had three generations of students from many local families. She married Frank Owen in 1944. Since 1961, she enjoyed many wonderful times at Kamptukumtu on Diamond Pond with her family. She was a member of the Monadnock Congregational Church in Colebrook, the American Legion Auxiliary, and a member and Past Matron and Past Grand Ruth of the Eureka Chapter #2, Order of the Eastern Star, also serving as secretary for the chapter for 17 years. She was also active in the local PTA when her children were in school. She was a member and past president of the Metallak Retired Teachers Association. Following her retirement from teaching, Claire continued to do volunteer work at UCVH, for the chamber of commerce, and the blood bank. She was an avid bridge player, as well. Claire leaves behind her three children, Gerald Owen and wife Paulette of Colebrook, Lynne Placey of Stewartstown, and Jeffrey Owen and wife Carol of Canterbury, NH; 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Frank H. Owen in 2005, and her sister, Golden Parsons. Calling hours will be on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook. An Order of the Eastern Star service will be held just prior at 5:45 p.m. A funeral service will follow the next morning at 11 a.m. at the Monadnock Congregational Church in Colebrook. Burial will be in the spring at the Colebrook Village Cemetery of which notice will be given. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mrs. Owen may be made to the UCVH Capital Campaign Fund, c/o P. Vargas, 181, Corliss Lane, Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.