Owen Luker – Belle Vernon

Owen’s life, as limited as it was, made an impact and touched the hearts of everyone around him. He will always be a sweet warrior angel who never gave up his fight to live. Owen was born on June 4, 2002, with an extremely rare neuro-degenerative syndrome and wasn’t expected to live a year. He never hit any milestones from birth and suffered from many ongoing severe health issues. He was non-verbal, non-functioning, on life-sustaining equipment and depended on complete 24-hour care. Although Owen’s life was full of extreme limitations and devastating health problems, he was a sweet angel who had more strength and will to live regardless of how many times he wasn’t expected to survive. “Owie” as he was lovingly referred to, had his own sweet ways about him. He loved his head being rubbed and back massages, looking at his bright lights, shiny objects and the color red. He also enjoyed being talked to, hearing others chitchat, listening to music and his mom’s off-key singing. His mom’s voice always got his attention and he often “played possum” by faking sleep when he didn’t want any interaction. He also had an adorable “yucky face” for things he disliked. Owen was known best for his strength, fight and will to live. He was a true warrior and fought even when his body gave out. He continued to fight until the very end when he passed away peacefully in his mother’s arms on Aug. 24, 2021. He leaves behind his heartbroken mom, Beth Luker; brother, Devin Luker (fiancée Ashley Bish); his maternal grandparents, Elizabeth “Mum” and the late Robert “Bubba” Little; his paternal grandparents, Patty and Bob Luker; aunt, Bobbi Daniels (uncle John); and cousins, Shaylee, Garrett and Ashlynn. Owen was blessed with an abundance of family and friends who loved and cared deeply for him. His extended family includes his past and present home health nurses, Andrea Petrosky, Matthew Lignelli, Robin Galindo and Shawn Rafitz. A special thanks to Interim Healthcare, the staff at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Complex Care & Supportive Care, including the amazing Carol May and everyone who was involved in Owen’s life.