Blog archive
May 2024
Freezing for a Good Cause – Credit, That Is
05/02/2024
No Discussion Meeting on May 3rd
05/02/2024
Welcoming Samantha Petersen Gallasch & the Role of Development at Pasadena Village
05/02/2024
An Apparently Normal Person Author Presentation and Book-signing
05/01/2024
Flintridge Center: Pasadena Village’s Neighbor That Changes Lives
05/01/2024
Pasadena Celebrates Older Americans Month 2024
05/01/2024
The 2024 Pasadena Village Volunteer Appreciation Lunch
05/01/2024
Woman of the Year: Katy Townsend
05/01/2024
April 2024
Rumor of Humor #2410
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2411
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2412
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2413
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2414
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2415
04/28/2024
Rumor of Humor #2416
04/28/2024
Stimulated by "Caste"
04/22/2024
Tulsa reparations, Religion and Politics
04/09/2024
March 2024
Trumps War with Black Women
03/31/2024
Addressing The Needs of Older Adults Through Pasadena Village
03/25/2024
Coming Soon: More Resources for Older Americans, Online and in Person
03/25/2024
Community Building Locally and Nationally
03/25/2024
Preparing for the Future with Ready or Not
03/25/2024
Volunteering is at The Heart of the Village
03/25/2024
Women's Liberation: Then and Now
03/25/2024
Writing Memoirs Together
03/25/2024
Current Views on Current Events
03/20/2024
Unchained
03/18/2024
Rumr of Humor issue # 2409
03/10/2024
Blacks Portrayed by European Artists
03/03/2024
Rumor of Humor #2408
03/03/2024
February 2024
Caring for Ourselves and Each Other
02/27/2024
Doug Colliflower Honored
02/27/2024
Great Decisions Connects Us to the Worldwide Community
02/27/2024
Letter from the President
02/27/2024
Pasadena Village's Impact
02/27/2024
The Power of Touch
02/27/2024
Villages as a New Approach to Aging
02/27/2024
Addressing Gang Violence in Pasadena-Altadena
02/21/2024
Rumor of Humor Issue 2407
02/19/2024
Thank You For Caring.
02/12/2024
Rumor of Humor 2405
02/11/2024
Curve Balls
02/10/2024
Sylvan Lane
02/10/2024
Rumor of Humor 2404
02/09/2024
Larry Duplechan, Blacks in Film
02/03/2024
January 2024
Pasadena Village Joins Community Partners in Vaccination Campaign
01/29/2024
Rumor of Humor #2403
01/28/2024
Pasadena Village Joins Two Healthy Aging Resource Projects
01/25/2024
Decluttering: Do It Now
01/24/2024
Village Volunteers Contribute to the Huntington Magic
01/24/2024
Villagers Creating Community
01/24/2024
Villagers Reflect on Black History Month
01/24/2024
Walk With Ease, 2024
01/24/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Wide Ranging Discussion on Current Issues
01/22/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2402
01/21/2024
Rumor of Humor # 2401
01/15/2024
Re- Entry Programs, a Personal Experience
01/08/2024
One Villager's Story
By Bridget BrewsterPosted: 05/31/2023
“To thine own self be true.” Wise words. Words to live by.
Having reached these years of ‘retirement’, it’s a great hope that we have each found our way to ourselves. We have discovered who we are or are becoming.
Jean Owen, a Charter Member of Pasadena Village, has learned the meaning of being true to yourself through decades of life experiences. She has gone from a little girl growing up in Pasadena to a wise woman who exudes confidence and joy. Hers was not always an easy path (few of us walk that road), but she has been blessed with a caring family. Following the death of her father, at the age of 15, Jean’s aunt and uncle (Fredrick March – yes, the world-renowned actor and his wife, Florence Eldridge) were a comforting and strong influence in her life.
Recently, Jean was elected as President of the Resident Association at Villa Gardens, where she lives and is happily surrounded and supported by neighbors who appreciate her leadership skills and willingness to be of service. The role entails being a voice for all the residents in various matters, having discussions with the Administration and helping to address residents’ concerns. In speaking with a few of her neighbors, it’s quite clear why she was asked to step into this challenging leadership role:
"Jean is a friend to everyone she meets.”
"She has a smile and kind word for everyone.”
"Jean has been a helper and friend to me and I’m so thankful.”
Following the passing of her husband, Jean began to explore “being one of one, no longer one of two”. She joined with others in conversations about how they might continue living full, interesting lives while remaining independent. Those conversations led to the establishment of Pasadena Village, a part of the national movement to support one another as we age. Jean stated, “I wanted to expand my horizons and meet new people. The Village has certainly done that for me.”
Jean has always loved music . . . both vocal and instrumental and supports various music and theater organizations. “Music speaks to me in a way nothing else can, it is a universal language that allows us to relate to one another.” She attended UC Berkely and graduated from UCLA. She and her husband raised their two children here in Pasadena, and Jean is a both grandmother and great-grandmother.
In conversation with Jean, we discussed our many roles throughout our lives and how we are identified by others as mother or wife, but seldom as ‘self’. She expressed the joy she feels in being given time as she ages to discover who she is, separate from what she does. “Who I am now is wholly new. I’m learning more about myself every day. I have time to learn about me. This is why one of my favorite quotes is ‘to thine own self be true’ . . . I’m still learning to do just that.”
Jean Owen is just one example, among hundreds of Pasadena Villagers, who is discovering herself as she continues to pursue long-held and excitingly new interests.