Obituary of Denise (DeeDee) Owen

Please note - There is a change in the location for DeeDee's Celebration of Life.

Please read information below.

Imagine, reaching for the door handle of the home, as the essence of her spills out to meet you. You push open the door and call out, “Hello?” and from within the house, you hear an excited, “Oh, is that who I think it is?!!” followed by the sound of quick, pitter-pattering footsteps. Then there she is, a ray of sunlight bursting around the corner into view, her face lit with a beautiful beaming smile, arms already raised for a hug. She sings out your name lovingly, hurrying to embrace you before you’ve even had the chance to get your shoes off. She was so genuinely happy to see you, and she made sure you felt it. This was Denise (DeeDee) Owen.

DeeDee was the strongest woman anyone would ever have had the pleasure to know; she was the perfect combination of strength and love. She was generous, playful, intelligent, witty, creative, beautiful, with a never ending curiosity and lust for life. She embraced the mystery and wonder of it all with a firecracker sense of humour, and an unmistakable dancing of light in her eyes. Even with so many children and family members to love, and so much to love in life, her heart was absolutely boundless. She was never going to be too full or reach a limit; she always had room for more. She was extraordinary in this way.

DeeDee’s diverse interests and passions are reflected in her educational pursuits; attending Toronto Art School and graduating from University of Waterloo for Kinesiology & Health Sciences and later Conestoga College for Journalism. Her professional journey led her to being a published journalist with Waterloo Region Record, an accomplished Realtor, investor, caring landlord, business woman and more.

She was a woman of many talents, especially in the creative world. She lived her life as an artist; embodying creativity through her fashion, writing, painting, and breathing life into homes with her love for interior design. DeeDee had too many passions to list. To name a few she was a voracious reader, engaging storyteller, and an avid traveller where she embraced culture, architecture and experiences at every destination.

DeeDee met her soulmate Steve in 2005 and has been adored by him ever since. When describing her marriage to Steve she would say, “Being married to my sweetheart has been a blast!” Their partnership is one filled with affection, laughter and kindness at every moment. Their generosity to each other is an inspiration to everyone that knows them. Some of their favourite things to do were to spend quiet mornings sitting in their sunroom in Owen Sound overlooking the river and appreciating the wildlife, traveling together, and spending time with their friends, children and grandchildren.

Predeceased by her father Douglas Owen, her mother Colleen Owen (Costin), and brother Mark Owen (Barb Owen), whom she missed dearly. Beloved partner and soulmate of Steven Millar. Exceptionally proud, devoted and loving mother of her shared children with Vincent Bettencourt, Nicole (Greg), Deana, Brooke (Mitch), Devin (Ethan), Quincy, and Steve’s sons Vince and Tony. They were her everything and she loved them beyond measure. Adoring ‘Grandma Chickadeedee’ to her granddaughters Lily, Zoey, Maven and Presley. They brought her pure unfiltered joy. She will be deeply missed by her sister-in-law and dear friend Barb, her nephew and nieces Spencer (Kelsey), Olivia (Kelvin) and Charlotte, her brother Jeff (Connie) and her nephew and nieces Drew (Shyen), Amanda (Gavin), Kelsey (Brady) and Kristen (Garrett), and so many friends and family.

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 9am - 1pm.  DeeDee will be cremated following the visitation.

The family invites all friends and relatives to celebrate DeeDee with a celebration of life at the Walper Hotel, 20 Queen Street S, Kitchener. The event will be in the Crystal Ballroom on the 2nd floor on Saturday March 14, 2026 from 3 - 7pm. During the celebration of life the family will be dressing to capture DeeDee’s vibrant spirit and sense of style (wear your party clothes!). DeeDee’s family will be starting speeches at 4 p.m. The family would love to hear stories and memories of her throughout the celebration of life. A speaker can read prepared words on guests' behalf, upon request.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Grey Sauble Conservation Authority or the Heart and Stroke Foundation, which may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445. The family asks for an act of kindness towards another, in memory of DeeDee’s giving nature.

We hold DeeDee in our hearts with all the special moments of love and laughter that we were all so fortunate to experience with her. We love you.