It is with great sadness, we announce the death of our beloved Mom, Nanny, Sister, Aunt and Friend, Mary Jo Powers. Even though our hearts are heavy; there is much to celebrate. For one, mom is dancing with dad, aka Papa/Chuck Powers, in heaven and we ALL gained an angel.
Mom was affectionately known as Nanny to our children, and MJ to many others...but if you ever called her Mary, you could imagine the nature of her response! She left us an incredible legacy filled with loving hard, living hard, giving generously, and sewing into others as she did with her children, grandchildren, relatives, students, friends and countless others through the 12 Step programs.
There are three things that drove Nanny daily...her family, her involvement in Al-Anon, and her compassion for others. She passionately attended countless events to support her children, grandchildren, past students, and many social causes that needed her voice. It was shared with us that “when you saw Mary Jo Powers at an event, you knew shit would get done”. That speaks to her tenacity and ability to lead, which has been passed on for generations to come.
Mary Jo was all about equity and spent a lifetime trying to change our culture regarding racism, women’s rights, and she LOVED her Democratic Party. She served faithfully during many voting campaigns and attended countless events to make her voice known.
Both mom and dad spent their lifetime in public education. Part of their legacy is the number of students they touched throughout their lifetime. When we were children, every year they would bring all their students to the house for a sledding and pizza burger party. We also provided food, presents, and money to families in need which will also be carried on for generations to come. Again, a part of her legacy.
As much as we are broken, we know God is saying “Well done good and faithful servant!” Rest in peace mom. Have a dance with dad, a lunch with Char, laugh with Lowell, and stay out of trouble with Sherri.
You will be dearly missed by many. Our adoration will be lifelong.
Mary Jo was preceded in death by her loving husband, Chuck E. Powers, and her parents, Violet and Ray Dinneen. She is survived by her children, Matt Powers (Laura), Mike Powers (Penny) and Meg Perron (Jim); grandchildren, Adam Powers (Summer), Zach Powers, Chad Powers, Brandon Powers, Dakota Perron (Linley), Breanna Perron, Clayton Perron, Abby Perron and Seth Perron; and sister, Peg Beltrand, as well as nieces and nephews.