Jacqueline B. Owens was central to decades of progress in Norwich. So consistently did she involve herself and the NAACP chapter she led for 31 years in civil rights and civic issues that she became one of the founding mothers, as it were, of contemporary Norwich: diverse, multicultural, a place that opens its doors to the stranger and takes care of its own.

So it must have come as a surprise to many outside the city, when she died at home last weekend, that her home was not in Norwich. She was a longtime Lebanon resident who worshipped at a New London church and will be buried in New London Friday.

But Norwich won't be surrendering its ties to this cherished lifetime activist. Her funeral will be held at the Jacqueline B. Owens Auditorium at Kelly Middle School, a permanent keepsake for the city she loved and its young residents.

Mother Owens, as she was called, was petite, quiet, humble and softspoken, yet forceful. People didn’t easily say no to her. Political or racial bickering could move her to tears. She would call the police chief, any time of day or night, and she was just as direct about school bullying or with officials at city hall. If that approach didn’t work, she would be with the group holding signs at street marches or rallies.

As NAACP president, Jacqueline Owens brought this small, all-volunteer group to national prominence. She started Juneteenth and the annual luncheon and march in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Most of all, she launched young people into activism and public service — a fitting and lasting legacy for such a well-spent life.

The Day editorial board meets with political, business and community leaders to formulate editorial viewpoints. It is composed of President and Publisher Timothy Dwyer, Executive Editor Izaskun E. Larraneta, Owen Poole, copy editor, and Lisa McGinley, retired deputy managing editor. The board operates independently from The Day newsroom.