DANVERS – Betty-Jo (Stakaitis) Owens, 79 of Danvers and the loving wife of Thomas "Tom" Owens, Jr, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 15, 2025 in the comfort of her home, with her loving family by her side.

Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Betty-Jo was the daughter of the late Alben and Marian (Arndt) Stakaitis. She was raised and educated in Michigan and continued her education at Western Michigan University where she received her bachelor's degree in education and met the love of her life, Tom. They celebrated 56 happy years of marriage together this past June. Betty-Jo was a 50 year resident of Danvers and she spent many years involved in the community and schools while raising their daughter Melissa.

Betty-Jo wore many hats and helped many people throughout her professional career. As a young woman, she started her vocation in Education, working as a high school English teacher. Later in life, she held various social work roles in assisted living facilities and with North Shore Elder Services where she assisted seniors and their families with benefits, outreach programs and transitions from independent to assisted living. She was wonderful at her career and took great pride in helping others.

Betty-Jo could often be found working in her garden, and alongside Tom, they cultivated a beautiful yard that brought joy to their home. The couple enjoyed exploring New England, visiting their favorite spots in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire, as well as embracing the sun in Myrtle Beach and Charleston, South Carolina. Over the years, they also frequently traveled to Michigan to visit and connect with Betty-Jo's extended family.

She loved spending her mornings reading a good book and was a lover of the arts. Betty-Jo especially enjoyed attending shows at the North Shore Music Theater with her friends. Her enthusiasm for life carried into her support for her grandchildren, as she was a frequent and encouraging presence at countless basketball, baseball, softball and soccer games. Her love for her family was paramount and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her husband Tom of Danvers; Betty-Jo is survived by her daughter, Melissa Berg and her husband, Brian of Reading; her twin grandchildren, Haley Berg and Deacon Berg; her brother, Jim Stakaitis and his wife, Ellie of Westchester, IL and many loving cousins and extended family members in Michigan.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend Betty-Jo's visitation which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS on Wednesday, August 20th from 4 to 7 P.M. Her burial will be privately held. In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty-Jo's memory may be made to Care Dimensions, Hospice Division, 75 Sylvan St., (Suite B-102) Danvers, MA 01923. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.