Owrey Funeral Expenses

As you may have seen on the news or read in local papers, three Owrey family members perished in a horrific early morning house fire on January 5 in River Grove. Three generations were senselessly lost in a tragedy that has left the only remaining family member, our dear friend Christina, age 28, to deal with the emotional aftermath. She also been left to cope with the burden of legal and financial realities arising from what remains a fire under investigation by local authorities. We are a community of friends helping to lift some of that burden by raising money to cover the costs of three funerals and burials.

Her family was well known in the community: Her father, John, 61, was a fixture in both the academic and philanthropic communities. Most recently he was a professor at Triton College and Board President of the non-profit, Youth Community Chicago. Additionally, he was a devoted father to Christina and his developmentally challenged daughter, Michelle, who also died in the fire.

Michelle was a 2016 graduate of Riverside Brookfield High School who remained active in their transition program until 2019. Very popular, she was involved with Special Olympics, Young Life and Best Buddies for which she was proudly named director. Described by all as an inspiration and constant source of joy and laughter, Michelle will be missed the most by her adoring sister, Christina.

Also lost in this tragedy was John's mother, Marilyn Owrey Hennig, 91. Cared for by her son and granddaughters until her death, she was known as a loving family matriarch.

The family pup, Bubba the chihuahua, also crossed his rainbow bridge with John, Michelle and Marilyn. 

Please help us help Christina by contributing to this memorial fund and let her know that she is not alone in her grief. Thank you in advance for all considerations... every single dollar will help.