Newtown loses ‘outstanding’ citizen

Newtown is mourning the loss of its first lady mayor, Doreen Owen, who died on Saturday following a short illness.

Doreen became a member of Newtown Urban District Council in 1970 transferring to the present Town Council in the local government reorganisation of 1974. She served as Newtown’s mayor  from 1977-1979 (right).

Tributes have been flooding in to mynewtown from her former colleagues on the council as well as the current town mayor, Cllr. Joy Jones, who described her as ‘pioneering’.

Cllr. Phil Watkins knew Doreen for more than 50 years and said: “Newtown has lost an outstanding citizen. She served this town for many years in a number of capacities and was one of the best mayors Newtown has ever had. She was a wonderful lady who will be sadly missed by all who knew her.”

Cllr. Jones paid tribute to Doreen who opened the door for other ladies to follow in her foot steps to the mayor’s position.

“She was a great asset to this town and my condolences go out to her family. She is held in high regard by present and past councilors alike and was a tremendous servant to the town and its people.”

Doreen leaves a daughter, Hazel, and two granddaughters. Her husband, Jim, passed away several years ago.