Irene Powers
Naples, FL - Irene Powers passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025, at the age of 100 surrounded by family.
Irene was born at home in Somerville, MA. She graduated from City of Somerville High School at the age of 16 and then from Burdette Business College in Boston, MA where she met her future husband, Norman Powers. The couple settled in West Lebanon, NH as Norman took the reins of the family businesses, Powers Furniture Store and Powers Funeral Home. Irene was active in the accounting side of those businesses while raising their three children. After studying interior design, she then opened her own store, The Early American House, in Hanover, NH. Family was important to Irene. She especially valued her children's education.
Irene was a skilled cook who never met a pastry she didn't like. Family dinners always featured great food and lots of laughter. She took a variety of classes at Lebanon College and became an accomplished watercolor painter, continuing to paint up until her last weeks. Despite taking up bridge later in life, she played in national tournaments and achieved the level of a Silver Life Master. She and Norman retired to Bonita Springs, FL then Naples, FL, where she took up golf at the age of 75 and played into her 90s, once celebrating a hole-in-one.
Time claimed her eyesight and hearing, yet she continued to relish good card games (thanks Bea), Red Sox wins, and shopping adventures with her kids.
She was predeceased by her devoted husband Norman Totman Powers, her parents, Mary and Peter Gallerani and her brothers Peter, Francis, and Paul Gallerani, her sister Marilyn Keane Guyer, and a grandson, Ethan Harvey. She is survived by her children Jan Marie Powers of Colorado Springs, CO, Dr. Mark Anthony Powers (Karen Lauterbach) of Chapel Hill, NC, and Vicki Irene Powers (Jeanette Wolfley) of Pocatello, ID, as well as grandsons Luke Powers (Ana Rosario), Kyle Powers (Dr. Rim Halaby), and granddaughter-in-law, Krystal Irwin. She also left behind two great granddaughters, three great grandsons, and nephews and nieces.
Her family is grateful to Crisanta, Maxine, and the rest of the Assisted Living staff at Vi at Bentley for their loving care, and to her great friend, Lela Gershon, for helping in so many ways.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church in Naples, FL on August 25th at 11AM. A burial service will be celebrated in the West Lebanon, NH cemetery at 10 AM on October 4th. A reception will follow at the Salt Hill Pub in Lebanon, NH.
Donations may be made to St. John the Evangelist Church 625 111th Ave. N. Naples, FL 34108, Avow Hospice 1223 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105, or the
charity of your choice.
To sign her guest register or to leave online condolences, please visit
www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.
Published by Valley News on Aug. 27, 2025.