Margaret Owen Obituary

MARGARET SEVERIN OWEN

1927-2025

Margaret Severin Owen passed away peacefully on January 4, 2025. Born on March 12, 1927, in Oklahoma City to Helen and Claude Severin. Growing up in Oklahoma, she enjoyed that she was the great granddaughter of John Ross, who was the Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation for 38 years and led the Trail of Tears. Margaret cherished a childhood filled with memories of playing with her sister, Susan, riding scooters with friends, attending summer camp in Minnesota and riding horses in New Mexico.

While at Wellesley College, Margaret met and married William Reagan Owen, a student at Harvard Medical School. After two years at the National Institute of Health in Washington, DC, they moved to Houston. Together, they built a loving family that included their two daughters, Claudia Lummis and husband, Fred Lummis of Houston; Susan Dawson and husband, Tom Dawson of Austin. Margaret also shared a special bond with her great-niece, Laurie McNay, who was like a daughter to her. Margaret was the kind of parent who was always the Girl Scout leader and made the Halloween costumes.

She was a fun-loving grandmother to five grandchildren-Fred Lummis (Amanda), Dan Lummis (Brandy), Ben Lummis, Emily Dawson Clock (Kevin), and Will Dawson-and delighted in the company of her eight great-grandchildren: Matilda, Rosemary, Tabitha, and Joan Lummis; Lucy and Sonny Lummis; Callie and Dawson Clock.

She was an active member of the Junior League of Houston and The Garden Club of Houston. An avid reader of mystery novels, often reading a book a day, Margaret also loved traveling and was passionate about sports and games. She was an accomplished tennis player and enjoyed golf and skiing. She loved playing bridge well into her nineties, and had a regular poker group for over fifty years. A talented ceramicist with a whimsical touch, she brought creativity and joy to all who knew her. Margaret's easygoing and fun-loving attitude endeared her to everyone she met.

Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to her longtime caregiver Carmen Hernandez for her many years of dedicated service, as well as Dora Mondgragon and Edna Briones for their special care.

The family will gather for the inurnment and then a memorial service will be held at two o'clock on Thursday, the 9th of January at The Center for Glenwood, 2525 Washington Avenue in Houston. The Rev. Martin J. Bastaian, Vice-Rector at St. Martin's Episcopal Church is to officiate.

To honor Margaret, contributions may be made to The Hope and Healing Center & Institute or St. Martin's Episcopal Church.