Ellen Oppenheim Powers

SARASOTA, FLA. Ellen Oppenheim Powers, 76, of Sarasota, Fla., formerly of Framingham and West Dover, Vt., passed away on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, after a courageous and valiant fight with cancer. She leaves her beloved family, her husband of 54 years, Norman S. Powers; her children, Rachel Powers of Framingham, Becca and Steven Haberman of Northborough, and Jonathan and Pamela Erickson Powers, of Bath, Maine; cherished grandchildren Paul and Michael Haberman, and Nina and Lily Powers. She will be sorely missed by her adored brother, Robert Oppenheim of Boston, and her dear niece and nephew, Drs. Heather and Christopher Davidson and family, Zachary, Sophia, and Carter. Ellen emigrated from Germany when she was six years old, first to New York, then to Providence, R.I., settling in Framingham after her marriage to Norman. She lived a full, productive life and touched many with her eternal optimism, can-do spirit, and willingness to help any friend in need. A role model to many, she leaves behind a large group of friends. whose lives she touched because of her positive approach to life and her subsequent illness, never allowing cancer to interfere with her lifestyle or dim her optimism. A longtime supporter of the arts, Ellen was a founder of the Danforth Museum and volunteered countless hours, including a term as president of the museum, in order to bring the city arts community to the suburbs. In recognition of her efforts, the Danforth Museums Ellen Powers Memorial Fund has been set up to continue bringing the arts to the local community. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Ellen Powers Memorial Fund, c/o The Danforth Museum,123 Union Ave., Framingham, MA 01702, or a charity of your choice. A memorial service celebrating Ellens life will be held at Temple Beth Am, 300 Pleasant St., Framingham, on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 1:30 p.m. Visiting hours are at Becca and Steve Habermans home, 24 Emerson Road, Northborough, after the service until 8 p.m., and on Friday, Oct. 31, 1 to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 1, 2 to 4 p.m.