Rachel Elisabeth Owens

Rachel Elisabeth Owens, born October 4, 1967 in Chester, Pennsylvania, died on May 25, 2025 at her home in Bel Air, Maryland.  She was 57 years old.

Rachel is the daughter of the Reverend Harold (Hal) E. and the late Cherie Ann Owens of Rising Sun, MD.

Rachel graduated from Rising Sun High school in 1985, from Towson University in 1990 (BA) and Goucher College 1998 (MEd).  She retired in 2023 after thirty years of teaching in Harford County Public schools.

Rachel is survived by her spouse, Darlene Bowyer, whose 24/7 care for Rachel during her long illness was an incredible sight to witness. We are so grateful for Darlene’s faithfulness and love.

Rachel is also survived by two children and four grandchildren: Katherine Maria (Liam) Joy and granddaughters Elodie and Rosalie of Gilberdyke, England and Matthew (Emily) Gildner and granddaughters Addison and Delaney of Forest Hill, Maryland.  She is the beloved sister of Paul (Helen) and Luke (Kim) Owens, and a doting aunt to Paul’s sons, Austin and Nick, and Luke’s children, Ethan and Eleni.

Throughout her teaching career and in her life with students, colleagues, family and friends, Rachel never hesitated to give of herself.  She was a caregiver for any and all she encountered, and particularly for her family, providing nephews and nieces with fun bags of coloring books, her homemade peanut butter candy, and other surprises. When her mother became ill with advanced cancer, and when pandemic lockdowns prevented in-person visits, Rachel was there, providing the groceries and other needs of her parents at the back door.  She was a bright light and a vibrant spirit and we are thankful for having been given the gift of Rachel.

Services will be held privately at the family’s convenience.