Jill Kristen (Lee) Owens—beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, and nurse—has officially hung up her scrubs, set down her Starbucks, and is now resting among the stars. She bravely battled colon cancer until her body could fight no more, passing on Thursday, March 6, 2025, with dignity, grace, and a strength that showed her true grit. Like her late grandmother Barbara and her mother Dianne, Jill was one tough broad.
Born on August 9, 1973, in Florence, South Carolina, and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts, Jill was the eldest daughter of John and Dianne Donovan and the best big sister to Jamie and Jayne. After graduating from Brockton High School, she met the love of her life, Daniel, while working at BJ’s Wholesale Club in Stoughton—proving that love can happen anywhere, even in the back aisle of the tire bay. A few years later, they tied the knot in 1999, building a beautiful life together in Attleboro, where they raised their two children, Andrew and Abigail.
Jill was a dedicated RN, spending over 20 years at The Copley at Stoughton Nursing Care Center before finding her true calling on the 3rd floor of Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro. Her compassion and dedication earned her the prestigious Florence Nightingale Award from Sturdy in 2024. But if you asked her, she’d say she was just doing what she loved—humbly helping those in need.
Jill made life better just by being in it. She had a quiet nature but a razor-sharp wit, always ready with a clever remark or perfectly timed joke. A true Boston girl—fiercely loyal, “wikkid smaht”, and never caught without her coffee—she was strong-willed, persistent, and hopeful, always putting her heart into caring for her family, friends, and patients. She never sought attention or created drama; she just got things done. You could always count on Jill—for a laugh, a pep talk, nursing advice, a shopping trip, or planning the next fantastic family vacation. She loved the details, managed family life with grace, and was always the first to step in when needed. Even in the face of her own death, she found humor, making it clear that when it came time for her farewell, she would have nothing artificial: no gaudy red lipstick, no fake wigs, and no fancy clothes that didn’t capture her true self. Jill was authentic and unapologetically true to herself.
She leaves behind her husband of 25 years, Daniel; her son, Andrew Patrick; and her daughter, Abigail Lee. She will be deeply missed by her parents, Dianne and John Donovan; her father-in-law, Kenneth Owens (and the late Diane Owens); her sisters, Jamie Kendle and husband Michael, and Jayne Cote and husband Dan; her brothers-in-law, Brian Owens and wife Lisa, and John Owens and his wife Laura; her sisters-in-law, Jennifer Gesner and her husband Marcus, and Tara George and her husband Chris; and her cherished nieces and nephews—Sophia, Ava, Duncan, Michael, Shaylee, Liam, Sarah, Phoebe, Hunter, Jacob, and John. Jill was also loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, as well as her work family at Copley and Sturdy Memorial Hospital, including her beloved Mont crew (Montplaisir Floor). She will also be missed by the family cats, Wednesday and Friday.
Our hearts are broken. Jill was taken from us far too soon and will miss her more than words can express. May she find eternal rest.
Visiting hours, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held on Saturday, March 15th from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main Street, Mansfield.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 2nd at 11:00 A.M. in Saint John the Evangelist Church, 1 Saint John’s Place, Attleboro. Burial will follow at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Mansfield.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Sturdy Health Foundation, 211 Park Street, P.O. Box 2963,Attleboro, MA 02703, to honor the incredible nurses who continue Jill’s legacy every day.
To send her family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com