Jennifer Owen Adsit of Charlotte, Vt., passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the McClure Miller Respite House in Colchester, Vt., after a long, stoic battle with cancer. She was born in Buffalo, N.Y., on December 17, 1953, to Alma C. and R. Mitchell McKaig Owen. Brother Mitchell C. Owen followed in 1954.
Jennifer attended the East Aurora Public Schools and the Buffalo Seminary. She graduated from the Buffalo Seminary in 1972. She completed the Wind River Range wilderness expedition course with the National Outdoor Leadership School in summer 1971. Jennifer then attended Williams College and graduated in 1976. During that time, Jennifer made lifelong friends and had the incredible opportunity of being part of the first women’s Nordic ski team for two years. She said the people she met at Williams “were extraordinary, and had a broad vision of possibility.”
Jennifer then chose a path of experiential education for a few years, including as a course leader for Outward Bound cycling programs based in Hanover, N. H., and skiing in the American Birkebeiner in 1980. Nordic skiing was a big part of her life. In that scene, she met David W. Adsit — they married in 1980. Their daughter, Mariel, was born in 1984.
Jennifer had many business and professional interests. She worked for Garden Way Research, which turned into Country Home Products. She enjoyed the remarkable, unique collaboration with these great people and worked with them for 13 years.
Later in her life, Jennifer became fascinated with the way people got stuck in their thinking. She questioned, “Why do people dig in? Why can’t they back up?” She followed this interest and attended the Woodbury Institute at Champlain College. She received her MS in mediation and applied conflict studies in May 2011. The knowledge and skills she gained informed her work and volunteer life every day after.
Jennifer was involved with several nonprofit organizations, including the Vergennes Opera House, the Charlotte Children’s Center, the Lake Champlain Retriever Club and the Vermont Federation of Dog Clubs. She treasured her time training and competing with her dogs in retriever competitions.
Jennifer is survived by her husband of 46 years, David W. Adsit; their daughter, Mariel G. Adsit; their son-in-law, Sam Piotrowski; and their grandchildren, Nora, Mari and Will Piotrowski. She loved her role as “Nana,” especially teaching the kids about nature and art. She is also survived by her younger brother, Mitchell C. Owen; his wife, Lynn Owen; and their children. Last but certainly not least, Jennifer is survived by her loyal golden retriever, Phoebe.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.