Jean Owen Izard died peacefully at home in Rye, New York on August 3, 2023, having just turned 90. She is survived by her five children and their spouses: Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Izard Jr. (Susan) of West Hartford, CT.; Ms. Nancy I. Engen of Wellesley, MA; Mr. and Mrs. Charles O. Izard (Kathy) of Charlotte, NC; Ms. and Ms. Elizabeth I. Apelles (Dinah) of Brooklyn, NY; Mr. and Mrs. J. David Izard (Pamela) of Charlotte, NC along with 16 grandchildren, four great grandchildren, her extended family and an enormous network of friends.
Jean Owen was born in Asheville, NC on July 25, 1933. She graduated from the Masters School in Dobbs Ferry and Colby College. Jean Owen married the love of her life, Robert A. Izard Sr. in 1955 and they lived happily together until Bob’s passing in 2013.
A loving mother and “Granny,” she could always be found playing Huckle Buckle Beanstalk with her grandchildren while serving cheeseballs and Lifesavers at 25 Club Road. Jean was also an active civic volunteer and athlete, bouncing between the tennis and paddle tennis courts to Twigg, Garden Club, school events and United Hospital meetings while simultaneously raising her five children. She was an avid reader, a master needle pointer and she spent hours in her rose garden which was truly magnificent. She loved people and they loved her, although she may have loved her very long list of pets best. A marvelous cook, her table was constantly surrounded by family and friends talking about everything and nothing, laughing, arguing, crying and always leaving grateful for the chance to have been seated with her there. When asked recently what she thought led to such an amazing life she responded, “I woke up every morning and thought I think something wonderful is going to happen to me today.” And it usually did. She will be dearly missed.
A short prayer service will be held on August 27th at the Manursing Island Club at 11 am. Her family will honor her with a celebration of life on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 in Asheville, North Carolina. The service will be held at All Souls Cathedral 9:30am.
