Powers, Margaret Mary (Powers

POWERS, SWEENEY

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 7/21/2005 at 16:23:18

Funeral Mass services for Margaret Mary Powers, 78, of Pella who died Feb. 18, were held Feb. 21 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pella. The Prayer Vigil Service were held Friday, February 20, 2004 at Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home in Pella. Rev. Robert Gruss, celebrant. Robin Nossaman was the organist and Lynne Cooper the vocalist.

Interment was at St. Mary's Cemetery in Pella. Pall Bearers were her "Granddaughters" Amanda Brend, Kristen Cornell, Megan Powers, Sara Nordquist, Melissa McElroy, Amy McElroy, Alexandria Powers, Leigha Powers, Jamie Powers, Casey Powers, and Katelyn Van Rees. Honorary Bearers were "Grandsons" Joe McElroy, Aaron McElroy, Zachary Powers, Benjamin Powers and Lane Van Rees. Casket Bearers were "Grandsons" David Bryan, Tim Martin, Michael Powers, Patrick Powers, Kelly Powers, Bryan Van Rees and Jeffrey Van Rees.

Margaret Mary Powers was born on August 26, 1925 to Harry and Margaret Sweeney Powers. The family later moved to Fort Dodge, where Marj, as she was known, grew up.

On September 27, 1947 she was united in marriage with Charles Edward Powers, a high school acquaintance. To this union nine children were born: Margaret Susan, Jo Ellen, David Michael, Richard Patrick, Mary Charlene, Patricia Ann, Daniel Joseph, William Anthony and Samantha Jane. In 1978 they moved to Pella. Marj then worked for the Catholic Social Services, Pamida and the Ben Franklin Store on Franklin Street in Pella. They retired in 1991 when at the time Chuck was employed at the Pella Printing Company. Chuck passed away Oct. 9, 2000.

Marj is survived by her children and their spouses: Susie and Dennis Bryan of Coralville; Jo and Ronald Martin of Iowa Falls; Buzz and Ann Powers of Fort Dodge; Dick and Bess Powers of West Union; Mary and Kent Nordquist of Bella Vista, Ark.; Patsy and John McElroy of Fort Dodge; Dan and Jacqui Powers of Urbandale; Bill and Mary Powers of Urbandale; and Sam and Randy Van Rees of Estes Park, Colo.; 23 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Marj was preceded in death by her husband, Chuck; her parents, Harry and Margaret Powers; and her brother, Maurice Powers, who died in infancy.
For those desiring, memorials may be given for the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella, Iowa

Arrangements were made by Van Dyk- Duven Funeral Home in Pella.

The Pella Chronicle, March 5, 2004