Ann Marie Jeanne Owens

Ann Marie Jeanne Owens, nee Blier, 78, of Belleville, IL, born December 23, 1944, in Van Buren, ME, passed away Sunday, March 26, 2023, at her residence in Belleville, IL after a brief illness.

She was preceded in death by her:

• Husband of 34 years: Henry L. Owens Jr.
• Father: Joseph Blier Jr.
• Mother: Joan, nee Plourd, Blier

Surviving are her:

• Children:
  • Steve Dumond of Belleville, IL
  • Loriann (Jeff) Benson of Jacksonville, FL
• Stepdaughters
  • Kim (Steve) Trevisan of Haworth, NJ
  • Karel (Cliff) Aker of N. Chittenden, VT
• Brothers
  • John (Carole) Blier of FL
  • Michael (Linda) Blier of GA
• Sister: Gloria (Barry) Blier of Belize
• Grandchildren
  • Andrew (Kellee) Cain
  • Benjamin Benson
  • Hannah Benson
  • Vanessa Trevisan
  • Sylvia Trevisan
  • Vincent Trevisan
  • Kevin Trevisan
  • Justin Aker
  • Dylan Aker
• Several nieces and nephews

Ann Marie was an esteemed commercial insurance underwriter for her professional career before retiring from Acadia Insurance in Portland, Maine in 2010. Upon retirement, she enjoyed many years traveling with her beloved husband Bud, dog Sophie and cat Oliver in their RV. Upon Bud’s death in 2016 she re-located from Maine to Georgia and finally settled in Belleville, Illinois in 2019 to be near her son and grandson. Ann Marie loved her house in Belleville, and you could often find her in her yard planting, weeding, raking, hauling and mowing. She had a passion for gardening and her yard was spectacular. Ann Marie also loved feeding the wildlife throughout her life; specifically, birds, squirrels and ducks and they were very spoiled! Her love of animals was immense, and this was passed down to her children and grandchildren. Ann Marie loved watching Hallmark movies, baking for family and spending time with her dog Mayah and cats Oliver and Lilly who will now be loved and cherished by family members. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly and was incredibly proud of their accomplishments.
Ann Marie was also an active member of AA and counseled and sponsored many people over the last four decades. She was proud of her sobriety that she worked hard for since June 23, 1980. She was well known and loved much by so many people in various states from Maine, New Jersey, Georgia and Illinois. Ann Marie had a heart for helping others and considered it her life’s mission to help people that struggled with addiction.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to two organizations Ann Marie donated to: St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital http://www.stjude.org and Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, 217 Landing Rd., Westbrook ME 04092.

Celebration of Life: Ann Marie did not want a formal funeral service. To honor her wishes the family will have a Celebration of Life on June 4th at Whip Poor Will cottage on Peabody Pond Road, Sebago Maine from 2:00-4:00.