M. Elayne McOwen, age 96, a homemaker, died August 12, 2017. She was a resident of Melbourne, FL for 61 years. Elayne was born and raised in the Los Angles, CA area where she was a Rose Bowl princess in 1939. She later moved to Oklahoma where she attended Oklahoma State University. Taking a break from school during WWII, she and two friends went to Washington DC where they worked in the Civilian Medical Division of the Pentagon. At the end of the war she had a blind date with a handsome returning soldier who became her husband, Bill.

Born on the 4th of July, Elayne was a life-long firecracker. Always energetic, she was the mother who took us for bonfires on the beach, cookouts on the causeway to watch the missiles blast off, and camping. Her family always came first in her life and we benefited greatly. She was a great cook, an avid gardener, a patient tutor and a frequent volunteer. She was on the Board of Melbourne Civic Music, President of the Garden Club, a 4H leader, a member of DAR and was very active in her church. St Johns Episcopal Church was her second family where she served as a lector among other services in her 50 years there.

Elayne loved to travel, taking trips to Great Britain, China, Spain and France. She particularly enjoyed her U.S. trips to Utah, Vermont and Maine. In the past few years she has enjoyed the loving care and good food at The Fountains. The pastry chef there made each day special.

Elayne was predeceased by her husband William McOwen and her son, William McOwen, Jr. She is survived by daughter, Susan Johns (Jerry) and son John McOwen; six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at St John's Episcopal Church, Melbourne, Saturday, August 19, at 4 PM. Reception will follow at the parish hall. Davis Seawinds Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John's Episcopal Church.