Built reputation as learning disabilities teacher

When Carol Anne Owen was little, she'd order her older sister and a friend to sit down: Class was in session.

From an early age, it was clear Mrs. Owen was destined for a career in education, a path that ultimately brought her to Winston Campus Junior High in Palatine.

Now, colleagues are mourning the passing of Mrs. Owen, a learning disabilities and behavioral disorders teacher at the school since 1998. The Arlington Heights resident died June 19 after a long battle with ovarian cancer. She was 53.

Teachers will remember Mrs. Owen as an advocate for her students, quick to organize fundraisers through a club she ran called Choices.

"She put together car washes and dances to help students who had fires in their homes or lost their parents," said Cindy Prisching, a teacher who shared a classroom with Mrs. Owen. "She never had a bad kid or gave up on any of them."

Born and raised in Chicago, Mrs. Owen graduated from Illinois State University in Normal with a bachelor's degree in special education and a master's in education administration. She taught special needs children in central Illinois and worked as a student teacher supervisor at ISU before coming to Winston.

Well-versed in special education legislation, Mrs. Owen provided advice and strategies while serving on a student support team.

"She loved these kids and knew how to find solutions and get things done," said teacher Kathy Gailey. "She was very intelligent about all the laws."

Mrs. Owen was working as a waitress at a Normal restaurant when she met Robbin, her husband of 29 years. They would go on to have a daughter and two son, Shannon, Dane and Brandon.

"Carol was a devoted mother, always following the children's sports activities," Robbin Owen said. "They went to schools all across the country, so it gave us an excuse to travel."

In addition to the gardening and reading she loved, Mrs. Owen was a bit of an athlete herself, especially when it came to bicycling.

"Teachers who thought they were taking a leisurely bike ride with her had no idea they were in for a 25-mile trek," her husband said.

Mrs. Owen found a role model in Lance Armstrong, whom she admired for his perseverance and strength.

"She looked up to him, but we all looked up to her," said Prisching. "In my mind, Carol is Winston Campus's Lance Armstrong."

The bike rides were curtailed as of late with the return of Mrs. Owen's ovarian cancer, a battle she fought on and off for more than 10 years. She continued teaching twice weekly at Winston until six weeks ago.

"She tried to never let her bad days get in the way," her husband said. "She was so strong and always positive."

Mrs. Owen is survived by her mother, Lucille, three sisters and two brothers.

Services have been held.