Kathleen E. Powell

1946 - 2023

Kathleen Elaine Powell, 76, of Secretary, Maryland, or "Kathy Fabulous" as she was known by many, was called home December 4, 2023, during a flight to Hawaii with her caregiver to attend her daughter's wedding. If you knew Kathy, she was always smiling and happy and enjoyed life to the fullest.

Born December 23, 1946 in Coalinga, California, her family eventually settled in the nearby city of Fresno. Kathy was a "daddy's girl" and a tomboy who loved to play with her father's tools and could recall asking for a hammer and nails as a youngster. She also loved the rodeo and all animals big and small. Her father's cousin trained animals for the motion picture industry, and she loved visiting his ranch and seeing the exotic collection of

animals he had there.

She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Fresno in 1964 and then attended UCLA where she became an expanded function dental assistant. She was a true woman of the 60's and took every opportunity to express herself. In love, fashion, politics, career, motherhood, sisterhood, friendship and faith, she left no stone unturned. As a Young Republican she worked on the gubernatorial campaign for Ronald Reagan and always considered herself a great patriot.

Following UCLA, she made a move to further her education in dental assisting at the University of Buffalo, New York. When asked why she chose Buffalo of all places, she would say, "Back in those days, we thought everything was like New York City." She studied to teach dental assisting and then became the office manager of a large multi-specialty dental practice, Family Dental Center, where she managed their operations for nearly 20 years. Kathy was very active in her professional organizations and became the president of the New York Dental Assistants Association. She worked as a union liaison for dental benefits and took pride in all her roles. It was in Buffalo that Kathy met her first husband of 18 years and gave birth to her daughter, Brinton. A fresh start brought her together with the love of her life Charles "Charlie" Powell who was introduced to her during a summer trip to Maryland to visit her sister and brother-in-law Gerry and Robert Phillips. It was love at first sight and soon they were married, kicking off an incredible 32-year journey together. The undying patience, love and understanding Kathy and Charlie offered to each other was a beautiful gift to experience.

Moving to Secretary was quite a change of pace, but Kathy loved being near her sister and enjoyed that they were married to men who had grown up together and were already great friends. She adjusted to small town life and made friends quickly. She and Charlie frequently entertained at home and loved to invite family and friends over to eat, swim and play games through the spring and summer months. She and Charlie also looked forward to fun and adventure off the Eastern Shore and traveled often. They enjoyed trips to a number of countries around the world and also took to the air in their own aircraft for quick getaways and special events. At some point after spending numerous hours sitting to Charlie's right in the cockpit, Kathy decided she wanted to know what it was like to sit in the in the left-hand seat, so she took flying lessons and successfully earned her private pilot's license. Over the years, they especially enjoyed their visits to Atlantic City and Las Vegas and loved Marathon, Florida, where they spent their winters. Kathy also enjoyed travel adventures with her daughter Brinton including trips to Italy and the

Holy Land. Kathy's zest for life was uplifting and contagious. She liked to spend time with family and friends and

revelled in sharing meals, playing dominoes with her girlfriends, playing Gin with her husband and caregivers, sunbathing, boating and shopping. She was known to be a fashionista and enjoyed all things glamour related. Her signature style was unmistakable and included full makeup and lashes, long nails, big glasses and high heels.

Kathy was a soft-hearted, caring and thoughtful person. There is nothing she would not have done to help those close to her. She was a faithful Christian and kept her faith during the most challenging times of her life, always giving the benefit of the doubt and offering forgiveness. Throughout her life, Kathy regularly supported charitable organizations such as The March of Dimes, the ASPCA, the local Grand National Waterfowl Association, St. Jude's Hospital and many others.

Kathy loved her pets and in retirement her free time was often spent sitting in her "Florida Room"

watching what she referred to as her geese, osprey, eagles, bunnies, squirrels and countless other

wildlife living on the Choptank. Although she didn't make it to Brinton's wedding or to the Florida Keys this year, she remains with us in spirit and will be remembered by all as one of a kind.

Kathy is survived by daughters Valerie Brown (Jeff) and Brinton Fickett (Bradley Hollis); son, Jeff Powell

(Debbie); seven grandchildren: Lyndsey Brown, Bayley Covey (Trey), Allye Toomey (Connor), Elizabeth

Narwold (Davis), Chase, Jonathan and Caroline Powell; six great grandchildren; her sister, Gerry Phillips

(Robert); much loved niece Lisa Beckberger (Paul) and nephew Michael Phillips; her miniature pinscher

Schatzie and so many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jerry H. Reynolds and Lillian Pearl Reynolds; her husband, Charles C. Powell; and her first husband, Keith E. Fickett.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 1:00PM at Suicide Bridge Restaurant in Secretary. Festive attire is requested.