Mrs. Carolyn M. (Doolen) Owens, 78, a resident of Utica Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, formerly of N. Utica, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Wynn Hospital in Utica.

     Carolyn was born in Utica on July 11, 1947, the daughter of David and Ethel (Cooley) Doolen. She was raised and educated in Utica and was a graduate of Utica Free Academy. On August 18, 1979, Carolyn was united in marriage with Paul L. Owens, Sr. at Bethany Presbyterian Church in Utica, a loving and devoted union of 27 years until Paul’s death in 2006. At one time, Carolyn was employed at the Masonic Home in Utica, and for many years, devoted her life, compassionately caring for many children as a foster mom, a calling she truly loved. She was a member of the PTO with the HeadStart program in Utica, and enjoyed knitting, crocheting and especially watching her favorite TV program, Law and Order Special Victims Unit. She was a member of the Church of Christ in N. Utica.

     Mrs. Owens is survived by her daughter, Nora Owens and Ken Powers of Utica; son and daughter-in-law, Derrick and Jacqueline Owens of Los Angeles, CA; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Sharon and Mark DeLong of Westmoreland and Mary Wilbanks of Clinton; two brothers and sisters-in-law, David “Butch” and Leatrice Doolen of Nebraska and Raymond and Cheryl Doolen of N. Utica as well as several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews,and special friend Judith Rosinski. She was predeceased by two brothers, James Doolen and Richard Doolen.

     In keeping with Carolyn’s wishes, there are no calling hours. Her family will gather privately to honor their beloved Carolyn. She will be laid to rest with her husband Paul in Forest Hill Cemetery in Utica.

     Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to Heintz Funeral Service, Inc., N. Utica.