Mary Michelle Owens

Mary Michelle (Anderson) Owens of Des Moines, 62, passed away March 9 th 2025, peacefully after a long battle of dementia.

Mary has lived in Des Moines most of her life, as well in, Norwalk for 10 years. She married the father of her 2 children, Brett Owens in 1983. In 1985 they had their first daughter Nichole Lynn Graham. In 1995 they had their second daughter Brittney Richelle Owens. Brett had a son from a previous relationship, Steve Strong, who she loved and cared about. They ended in divorce in 1997 but continued to be close friends always. Later she married George Donati and they were together for 20 years. That marriage ended but continued to be close friends.

Mary enjoyed life to the fullest. She loved spending time with family, boating, hanging out with friends, music, concerts, watching her grandchildren play sports and just about anything fun. She loved to spend time with her best friend, Jackie Short, who has been a life-long friend for over 50 years and her sister Julie McKinney who was undoubtably not only her sister but her best friend.

Mary is survived by her daughter Nichole (Tim) Graham, daughter Brittney (Almir Smailbegovic) Owens. Her Brother James Anderson, her sister Julie (Joe) McKinney. Her niece Tiffany (Brian Schnoor) Edgington, nephew Joey (Brittan) McKinney, niece Hannah (Alex Greenwood) McKinney, niece Kayla (Jon) McKee, nephew Jimmy Lee (Stephanie) Anderson, niece Kassie (Ryan) Statler. Her Grandchildren, Cailyn Knight, Colyn Knight, Jaxen Graham, Adian Smailbegovic, Kinzley Knight, Tristen Graham, Tatumn Smailbegovic, Brecken Smailbegovic, and Haysen Smailbegovic. Great nieces and nephews, James, Natalea, Emma, Adeline, Raelee, Gavin, Anthony, Megan,Chloe, Dallas, and Charlotte. Mary was preceded in death by her father James Anderson, her mother Mary Anderson, mother- in-law Nancy Lynch, son-in-law Clayton Knight, and lifelong friend Lisa Chiodo.

Celebration of Life is scheduled for March 22 nd at Slate at Gray's Landing, 400 SW 11 th St Des Moines, IA 50309 in the Community Room from 1pm to 5pm. Please don't wear black, her favorite colors were teal,

light blue, purple and pink. We will have food and refreshments. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to be directed to family for headstone.