Conchita’s Legacy

My mom, Conchita M. Owens, 78, of Chester, NJ entered into eternal life peacefully on January 10, 2022, at her home surrounded by her loving family. Conchita was born on May 9, 1943, in Sanford, FL to the late Ernesto Clarke and Anelle (Smith) Clarke. She grew up in Lakeland, FL.  She received a bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.  

Upon completion of her undergraduate degree, she moved to New York City to attend Julliard School of Music where she was awarded a degree in Performing Arts.  Her degrees and her talent led to a musical career that was incredibly successful. She became a three-time winner on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour TV Program, would perform at Carnegie Hall, and appear in TV commercials.

Conchita gladly voluntarily concluded that phase of her life when she married her dearly beloved husband, Frank Owens, on March 30, 1964.  His career would move them to various locations throughout the US and allowed them to travel the globe.  Eventually they settled in Chester in 1975 where she dedicated herself to her family and her church, the priorities of her life.

Conchita never felt she sacrificed her promising career but instead found her vocation as a wife and mother.  Raising her family was the joy of her life.  She was also able to continue to share her angelic voice in the church for over 40 years. She used her gift as a contribution to the church, a tribute which touched many hearts.  She had a gentle, caring, and dignified presence. Her grace and kindness were warmly shared with those who were blessed to meet her.  She had a quiet strength and a “can do” spirit.   This unique inner beauty was as evident to all as her natural physical beauty. 

She is survived by her beloved husband of 58 years, Frank Owens; her loving children, Damon Owens and his wife Melanie, and Anne McGrath and her husband Robert; 14 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; her Aunt Nella; several nieces and nephews; and by many other loving family members and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, her loving daughter Sheila Owens Mulcahy, her sister Mona Miller and a granddaughter Rene Conchita.

Conchita’s Life Celebration will include a visitation on Thursday January 13, 2022 from 3pm – 7pm at the William J. Leber Funeral Home (908) 879-3090, 15 Furnace Rd. (corner of Rt. 206) Chester, NJ 07930. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday January 14, 2022, 10:30 am at St. Lawrence RC Church in Chester. Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Chester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Conchita’s memory to JoyfulEverAfter.org