Anchorage, Alaska, resident, Carolyn J. Owens, died July 20, 2006, from injuries sustained in a car accident.

A celebration of life ceremony was held July 27 at Jewel Lake Parish in Anchorage.

Carolyn's best friend, Bev Rude, and her family Darrell, Jessica and Michael, were of invaluable help to the family.

Carolyn Jane Wilhelm was born on March 6, 1955, in Whitefish, to Bill and Louise Wilhelm. She attended school in Whitefish, graduating in 1973.

She also attended the University of Montana and Kinman Business School in Spokane.

Carolyn was one of the first Princess Freyas in the Whitefish Winter Carnival.

In 1980 Carolyn was married to Dan Owens of Spokane.

In 1982 she, Dan and his two young sons moved to Anchorage, where two daughters, Katie and Kelsey, were later born.

Carolyn had recently worked as administrative assistant at South Anchorage High School, and previously worked at Service High, Abbott Loop and Gladys Wood Elementaries.

She considered raising her children her greatest accomplishment, and carried her passion and love for young people into her jobs.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her children, Jason, Chris, Katie and Kelsey, and seven grandchildren. Also surviving are her sister, Iris Ostrom, and husband, George, of Kalispell; and brother, Bud Wilhelm, and wife, Marilyn, of Whitefish. She is also survived by the nephews and nieces she was raised with and their families, Shannon Ostrom, Heidi Ostrom Duncan, Vicki Wilhelm Tennyson, Kelley Wilhelm Hill, Wendy Ostrom Price, Tracie Wilhelm, Clark Ostrom and Kim Wilhelm Welsh.

Carolyn has been cremated and her ashes will be returned to Whitefish.

A memorial service for Carolyn will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10, at the Whitefish Christian Church, 914 Second St. in Whitefish. Please come and share your memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carolyn's name to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.