Jacqueline C. "Jacki" Powell

With hearts full of love and sorrow, the family of Jacqueline C. Powell, 68, announces the unexpected passing of our amazing wife, mother, sister, and "Ya-Ya." She passed away on Thursday, January 29th, 2026, at her residence. Her life was a beautiful reflection of her deep faith, unwavering kindness, and boundless love for her family.

Jacki was born on May 9th, 1957, in Ellwood City, and was a lifelong member of the community she loved so deeply. She was the daughter of the late John "Jack" Jr. and Verna Lee (Chapman) Cortes.

Jacki was a 1975 graduate of Lincoln High School and remained proud of her Ellwood City roots. She was an active and devoted member of Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church where her faith and sense of community were an important part of her life. Jacki faithfully served as a member of the Confraternity of Christian Mothers. She always put the needs of those around her before her own, and her compassionate heart and encouraging words brought comfort and light to everyone she met.

In October 1977, Jacki married the love of her life, Zachery Powell, with whom she shared many years of partnership, family, and work. Together, they built both a life and a career, working side by side at R.W. Powell Real Estate, where Jacki was a licensed Pennsylvania real estate agent. Over the years, she also worked at Hillside Pharmacy and Hyde Drug Store, and was known for her friendly presence and strong work ethic.

As a mother, she was extraordinarily loving, selfless, and endlessly supportive. Jacki loved her family fiercely and gave endlessly of herself. Her laughter, beautiful smile, warmth, and caring heart made you feel safe, welcomed, and genuinely loved. She had a way of showing up for others that will never be forgotten.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Zachery Powell; her daughter, Ashlee (Aaron) Gray of Bellwood, PA; her son, Tyler Powell, and his fiancée, Jessica Figurel of Ellwood City; and her cherished grandsons, Connor Zachery and Carson James Gray, who brought her immense joy and whom she loved to the moon and back 60–90 times. She is also survived by her siblings, Steven (Donna) Cortes of Lake Worth, FL, and Leslie (Robert) Bortz of New Galilee; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Jacki also leaves behind her beloved dog, Sam, a constant and faithful companion.

Aside from her parents, she is preceded in death by many beloved family members including Mr. Robert W. and Helen M. Powell and Mr. Timothy Powell.

Friends and family will be received for visitation on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Samuel Teolis Funeral Home and Crematory Inc. in Ellwood City. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, February 5th, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Divine Grace Parish, Holy Redeemer Church. Members of the Holy Redeemer Christian Mothers are asked to meet at the church on Thursday by 9:50 am to form an honor guard.

Jacki will be missed more than words can express and remembered always. Memorial donations may be made to: Divine Grace Parish Social Services, the Ellwood City Area Historical Society, or the Ellwood City Area Public Library.