Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Flying High

My beautiful baby boy earned his angel wings this morning.  Here is the obituary written by my wonderful friend, Lisa.  He was so very loved.



Owen O’Donnell Marshall, age 2, died peacefully while in hospice care on Wednesday, October 16, surrounded by his family.

Born in Newburyport, Mass., on August 27, 2011, he is survived by his parents Peter and Sommer Marshall of Georgetown, formerly of Amesbury; his big sister Ellie Marshall of Georgetown; his maternal grandparents, Marylou and Tony Hammond of Minneapolis, Minnesota; his paternal grandparents, Jason and Linda Marshall of Tewksbury; and his many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Owen, a blue-eyed, red-haired, loving little boy, was cherished by his parents, big sister, family, friends and caregivers. He earned the love and affection of many supporters from across the state and country for his courageous battle with a brain disease—documented by a blog his mother updated faithfully, chronicling his triumphs and challenges.

“This blog is my way of celebrating the blessing he is in my life and sharing the painful journey he has in this world,” his mother wrote.

Owen brought joy to all those who knew him and melted the hearts of those lucky enough to catch a glimpse of his bright, blue eyes. He loved being held and snuggling and became quite the traveler, taking special family trips, including one to New Hampshire and Santa’s Village this summer.

Like his parents, he was an avid sports fan. He wore his jerseys proudly on game days.
Owen recently celebrated his second birthday with a party and gifts with his family and friends, including a special dinosaur cake baked just for him.

To celebrate Owen’s life, a memorial service will be held Sunday, October 20, at 1:00 p.m. at Main Street Congregational Church, Amesbury, MA. A small reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Owen’s name to: Pentucket Early Intervention, P.O. Box 356, West Newbury, MA, 01985.


19 comments:

  1. love to all of you, sommer - you were all so lucky to have each other for the time you did...

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  2. We all love you very much. We were blessed with our beautiful Owen and he will be remembered, missed & loved so very much, always. Auntie Kym loves you very much Owen! Pete, Somm & Ellie we are soooo very sorry and we love you all very much!

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  3. I am so very sorry for the loss of Owen. You don't know me but I have followed your blog since it's beginning. Thinking of you and your family

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  4. Oh how we love Owen...we can not count the ways. Owen was a very special, sweet, loving, gorgeous, little boy. Our hearts are broken and we will forever miss our little buddy. Pete, Sommer & Ellie you gave Owen the best love, kisses, hugs, cuddles and home anyone could ever wish for!! I love you all and am here if you need anything. Love, Auntie Lin xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

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  5. Sommer,
    My sincere condolences to you ,Pete, & Ellie.Healing prayers being sent your way to help ease the pain of your loss.If you need anything at all do not hesitate to ask.

    Patty Ordway

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  6. My deepest, most heartfelt condolences go out to you, my family's family. I hold you close in thought and prayer. Godspeed, Owen.

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  7. I know you guys already know this, but I will say it again. I am consistently amazed at how your whole family traveled this journey, kept your eyes and ears on what Owen was telling you, and surrounded yourselves with people who were just as remarkable as you. I will miss my little friend, and his bright red hair, and the fact that he was always on his "best behavior" for me. I certainly know this has been a rough road and that you and Pete will miss him in ways I can't even imagine, but I am so glad I got enough of a glimpse in to your family to know what remarkable parents and people you are. Every child should be so lucky. <3

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  8. So sorry for you, Pete & Ellie...We will miss Owen so much...we loved being your neighbors/friends and hope you know what a difference his life has made in our lives...Owen will be in our hearts always...Rest In Peace beautiful Owen...Deb, Jesse & family xoxoxox

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  9. Wish we could do something to ease your pain. Owen touched many hearts. That presence will carry on and touch so many other lives. His light will shine on here and in the brightest stars.. Sending thoughts and prayers

    David, Rhonda and family

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  10. Sending prayers for you and your family. I am so saddened by this news. Owen was dearly loved by many, especially his family, and I'm sure he knew that! Thank you for sharing Owen, his struggles, his triumphs, your laughter, love and heartaches with the rest of us out here in the blog world. Peace be with you.

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  11. I am so sorry for the loss of Owen. My heart breaks for you all as I can only imagine the depth of your sadness. He sure was adorable; an angel on earth that brought so much to you all. You are all in my prayers and thoughts. May peace be with you. Linda Koch

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  12. So very sorry for your loss! I've followed your blog since Jenny first mentioned sweet Owen and the love that your family and friends had for him shone through every word. Many prayers for all of you.

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  13. I am so sorry for the loss of Owen. I know there are no words that can take away the pain of losing him. Prayers to you and your family at this difficult time.

    With Love, Michelle Roberts

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  14. Our prayers are with you, and your family at this time of terrible loss.
    With love, the Schmeizls

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  15. God speed to all of you, and may tiny Owen rest in peace.

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  16. Pete and Sommer - I am a friend of Kym and John and wanted to share some thoughts. I have been hearing of Owen and his challenges in his short but special time on this earth. He brought joy and love to all that touched him. Each day was one more day, hour, minute or second but each was shared with Owen. Godspeed Owen!!

    I also have to say that hospice is very special and for that reason, I am becoming a hospice volunteer! To help families like yours and your angel move on! Again Godspeed Angel!!

    A friend A.M.

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  17. God gave Owen to the perfect family for him and his trials in this world. Pete & Sommer are amazing parents and Ellie is the perfect Big Sister. No child has ever been more loved and cared for than Owen. I am honored to have had the privilege of being one of Owen's caregivers.I am blessed to be his grandmother. He gave me and everyone else far more than we gave him. He made a profound difference in my life and in the way I look at this world. Now he is in a much more peaceful and beautiful place.... I imagine him sitting next to my Dad, "Bumpa", on a park bench in the middle of a field of black-eyed susans. I will treasure the memories of time spent with Owen. He is truly MY Superman. I will miss him so much.
    Godspeed, Owen. Someday I will meet you at the bench and greet you with my usual,"How's it goin' Owen? It's Mammie."
    I love you to the moon, stars and heaven.

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  18. Sending love to all of you -- your family continues to be such an inspiration to us. <3 Owen.

    Kristin, Eric, and Betsy Z.

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  19. I am sorry that I've been away from your blog for some time, and my heart aches for you not being able to hold Owen in your arms again. I don't know if you knew but Owen means "celtic warrior" and boy, he fought hard. You are right, he is in his castle now, and he is more alive and well than ever. He had such a loving family.

    It's almost two years now since my son Zachary passed, and well, somedays it still feels as if it happened yesterday. If you ever want to talk, feel free to msg me or stop over at my blog onebite11.blogspot.com

    Sending you many prayers and love during this difficult time.

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