Mary Ann Powers

Rockport, Gloucester, South Hamilton - Mary Ann "M.A." Powers, 72, was known by those close to her as a profoundly unique and unforgettable presence. She remains a cherished mother, Nana, partner, friend, and loved one to so many. On Tuesday evening, October 21, 2025, she passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
Born on June 5, 1953, Mary Ann was the daughter of Christine Powers and Joseph "Jocko" Powers, both deceased. She was also predeceased by her brother, Joseph DeMarco of Gloucester.
Mary Ann attended St. Mel's Day School in Gloucester for her elementary education and earned her nursing degree from the University of Maine. She was dedicated to her profession and extraordinarily proud of her career as a nurse. She spent the 1980s traveling as a nurse, eventually relocating to California, where she joined the 5W Medicine unit at UCLA Hospital and later worked for the liver transplant unit. During her years in California, she met the father of her children and also formed a lifelong bond with her friend Norma Harris - who became family and a constant presence in her children's lives. Her son, Brendan, was born there in 1992.
She returned to Rockport in 1994, where her daughter Caitlin was born. In 1999 she moved to "The Earth House" in South Hamilton, Massachusetts, and remained there for the rest of her life. She took particular pride in her unique hillside home built partially underground. In the latter part of her career in Massachusetts she worked as an IV infusion therapist for New England Home Therapy, was an exceptional caregiver to her mother Christine, and eventually retired.
She loved to discuss her time traveling as a young adult. She reminisced about crossing the Marco Polo trail on a motorcycle, making it to base camp 1 on Everest, and spending time abroad including travel through India and Nepal. She enjoyed sailing, skiing, going out to eat and she was also an avid movie watcher.
Mary Ann was elegant, bold, glamorous, resilient, strong-willed, and deeply particular. She was known for her independence and the unmistakable way she carried herself in every room.
She is survived by her two children, Caitlin Powers O'Donnell and Brendan Powers O'Donnell; one grandchild, Charlotte Christine Marie Riggin; and her long-time significant other, Jody B. Yameen.
Visiting hours will be held at the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA on Monday October 27, 2025, from 4pm – 6pm. A burial will be held at noon on Tuesday October 28, 2025, at Locust Grove Cemetery in Gloucester, MA.