Retired? I Don’t Think So! Debbie Lyn Owens

Editor's Note: When costumers retire, they don’t really retire…they just find a new way to channel their creativity! Pam Markel, immediate past president of the NCA, contributes a column to NCA Today that highlights the activities of retired members. In this edition she describes the post-retirement endeavors of Debbie Lyn Owens.

By Pam Markel

     When we retire, we never know where the wind will take us. In the case of Debbie Lyn Owens, retirement took her on many new adventures.

      Debbie Lyn Owens owned and managed Debbie Lyn’s Costumes in Sunnyvale, California for 20 years. She served on many NCA committees and on the Board of Directors. She presided as President of the National Costumers Association from 2005 to 2007. Debbie also hosted a wonderful National Convention in San Jose, California.

       After selling her costume shop, she moved to Windsor, California, in Sonoma County, rich in beautiful vineyards.

      After retirement, traveling became a huge passion for Debbie and her husband Rich. Her travels have taken her to a vast number of countries; Iceland, Scottland, Greenland, Italy and Spain, the United States southwest and northwest. By far, Italy and Spain have captured Debbie’s heart.

     Taking up walking/running 5K races became an outlet for Debbie to keep fit and keep moving. 5K races in her portfolio have included Bentonville Arkansas where she took 2nd place in her age group, Sonoma, Windsor and San Francisco, California and Keota, Iowa. Keota, Iowa was Debbie’s favorite 5K of all. Keota is the hometown of one of our past presidents, Janie Westendorf, and her daughter Lorie Hammes, former director on the NCA Board of Directors. This race was part of Keota’s Sesquicentennial celebration in 2023. Debbie wouldn’t brag, but I want you to know she would have taken first but there were no options for over-70 entrants. “Go Debbie.”

     We all know costumers love to be busy, love to be challenged and love to explore new avenues. In

2020 Debbie Lyn became the president of the Board of Directors of Pathways to Recreation, a non-profit organization that offers life-enriching activities and education in partnership with the County of Sacramento’s regional partner, Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS). Debbie’s daughter Jen manages TRS, which provides therapeutic opportunities for individuals with disabilities residing in Sacramento, California. (Please click here to learn more about this organization: pathwaystorecreation.org)

      Debbie’s previous experience as president of the NCA made her a perfect fit to lead this wonderful organization. When Debbie takes on a task, she gives her all, and in this case is making a difference in the lives of those who need it the most.

     When asked “Why was the National Costumers Association so special to you?” Debbie replied, “I joined the NCA because I wanted to learn how to run my business. I did learn so much from the amazing, creative people I met. I also made some friendships that are precious to me and will last a lifetime. It was an honor to be president of the Board and a joy to attend many conventions, regional meetings and spring flings!”