Jeanne Marie Yalon was born in San Francisco, CA. She earned a BSN from both UC Davis and San Francisco State University and a MN from Louisiana State University Health Science Center.
Jeanne’s ability to connect with people was immediate. You were better in her presence because she saw and encouraged who you were. She radiated joy, communicated empathy and maintained a curiosity about people and the world around them. She nurtured her friendships; supported hundreds of patients seeking medical care; and was a mentor to numerous intern students and those exploring a career in healthcare.
Her nursing experience was extensive and varied. Following graduation from UC Davis, Jeanne worked as a Nurse Manager in the Pediatric Intensive Care unit at UCSF and as transport nurse for patients flown by helicopter seeking emergency medical care. She later taught nursing at Sutter Sacramento. She was a Family Nurse Practitioner at Shasta Family Practice and Siskiyou Medical Group; Chief Medical Officer, at Shasta Cascade Health Centers; and most recently Nurse Practitioner at Shasta Family Care. She was nominated as one of the Best Medical Providers in Siskiyou County in 2021.
Jeanne and Don Owens married in 1989. Zakary Jerome Owens was born in 1992. At nine months of age, he accompanied his parents to Japan. During the Japanese years, they completed their family with the birth of Morgan Gibson Owens in 1996. They lived in Japan for seven years. The family traveled extensively outside of Japan and had many great adventures.
Throughout the twenty years that Jeanne had her nursing practice in the Mount Shasta area, she was able to harness an impressive holistic approach to medicine and excellent diagnostic skills with her lively, joyous and energetic commitment to her patient’s health and care. She was incredibly generous with her time. She gave consistent and excellent care to the monks at Shasta Abbey and others, quietly and without fanfare.
She is survived by her husband, Don Owens, her sons: Zak Owens of Palm Desert, CA and Mo Owens of Mt. Shasta, CA. She also leaves behind her brothers and sisters, and many other loving friends, adoring in-laws and nieces and nephews who will always remember her dearly.
This scholarship fund was established to benefit and support Siskiyou County high school graduates and current college students pursuing higher education in the field of health care.
Deadline: Wednesday, March 12th, 2025
Open Application Window: November – March
Eligibility Criteria
- Current high school seniors or current college students (two- or four-year school)
- Must have graduated from a high school in Siskiyou County
- Plans to pursue a degree in Healthcare
- 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA
- Must demonstrate financial need (verification required)
- Plans to attend a two- or four-year college full-time the fall semester following application
