Bernice Powers

Bernice B. Powers 1918 - 2011 NORTH BENNINGTON Bernice "Babe" Powers of North Bennington died peacefully on Sunday, July 17, 2011, after a long illness. The daughter of Frank and Anna Oleksy Boldyga, she was born May 31, 1918, in Housatonic, Mass., and graduated from Searles High School in Great Barrington in 1936. From 1938 to 1941, Mrs. Powers resided in New York City, studying art under the Works Progress Administration and, after attending a beautician's college, working as a hairdresser. From 1941 to 1945, she was a hairdresser in Stockbridge, Mass. She and Lawrence F. Powers were married June 16, 1945, in Housatonic. For the next 66 years, she resided in North Bennington, where she and Mr. Powers owned and operated Powers Market until 1981. Mrs. Powers was a Cub Scout den mother in the 1950's and a trustee of the McCullough Free Library for several years. She was a communicant of St. John the Baptist Church and a member of the Ladies Sodality. An avid golfer, she belonged to Mt. Anthony Country Club, where she was club champion in 1978, and Rainbow's End Country Club in Dunnellon, Fla., where she was club champion in 1985 and 1986. Mrs. Powers brought joy to all who knew her. She is survived by Lawrence, her husband of 66 years; a son, Timothy of Metairie, La.; a daughter and son-in-law, Christine and David Hibma, of South Burlington; a granddaughter, Maggie Hibma of Burlington, Mass., and several nieces and nephews. FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling hours will be Tuesday, July 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Rev. Michael A. Demasi Parish Hall at St. John the Baptist Church in North Bennington. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered Wednesday, July 20, at 10 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Church. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery. Should friends desire, contributions in Bernice B. Powers memory may be made to the St. John the Baptist Food Pantry through the office of the MAHAR & SON FUNERAL HOME, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.