Cecilia Joan Owen, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, and devoted servant to her community, passed away peacefully in her Tucson home after many years of living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on February 5, 1947, in Roseville, California, Cecilia built a life grounded in faith, service, and education. She was the first in her family to graduate from college and married her lifelong partner, Thomas Lon Owen, in June 1968. She began her teaching career in Roseville and West Sacramento, California, and later in Owosso, Michigan. In 1974, Cecilia and Lon moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, where they made lifelong friends, raised their family, and built meaningful careers for more than 45 years before relocating to Tucson in 2020.

A lifelong educator, Cecilia’s career was defined by innovation, equity, and a deep, abiding love for her students. Her favorite role was as an eighth-grade English teacher at Flagstaff Junior High School. She was a pioneer in educational technology, bringing computers into classrooms and serving as Flagstaff Unified School District’s first classroom technology coordinator.

As Coconino County School Superintendent from 2000 to 2010, Cecilia oversaw the opening of alternative high schools in Flagstaff (Ponderosa) and Page (Tse Ya Ato), expanding opportunities for thousands of students whose needs were not met in traditional settings. Deeply aware of the challenges faced by rural and Navajo Nation students, she championed access to education by helping bring laptop computers onto school buses. This allowed students to complete homework during long daily commutes. She also served on the Arizona State Board of Education, the Joint Technological Education Districts, and helped initiate concurrent enrollment partnerships between Coconino County schools and local community colleges.

Despite her many professional accomplishments, Cecilia’s greatest pride was always her family. She was the devoted wife of Thomas Lon Owen and a loving mother to Lisa Shanks (Gerry), Julie Dedmon (Tim), and Thomas “TJ” Owen. She was a proud grandmother to five and a cherished great-grandmother to three, all of whom she considered among her greatest blessings.

Known for her energy, humility, and servant’s heart, Cecilia was an avid runner and a tireless advocate for her community. Her Catholic faith guided every aspect of her life, shaping her values, her work, and the quiet strength with which she served others—always with a characteristic smile that reflected her joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Josephine and Cecil Gould, and her siblings, Joe Gould and Marilyn Luna.

Cecilia is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years; her children; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and the many students, colleagues, and friends whose lives were enriched by her leadership, compassion, and example.

“I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the race,

I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7

Funeral services for Cecilia Joan Owen will be held on February 20, 2026, at San Francisco de Asís Catholic Church, located at 1600 Historic Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.

The Rosary will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m.

A celebration of life will follow immediately after Mass. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Cecilia’s memory to one of the following organizations:

• Coconino County Education Foundation, 2384 N. Steves Blvd., Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (928-679-8070)

• Ponderosa High School, 2384 N. Steves Blvd., Flagstaff, AZ 86004 (928-679-8070)

In addition to services in Flagstaff, the family will host a celebration of life in Roseville, California, on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., at Woodcreek Country Club, located at 5880 Woodcreek Oaks Blvd., Roseville, CA 95747.

The Owen, Shanks, and Dedmon families look forward to celebrating Cecilia’s life with family and friends in Flagstaff, Roseville, or both locations.

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