Beatrice Powers

Beatrice E.
(Murray) Powers
LEOMINSTER - Beatrice E. (Murray) Powers passed away at her home on May 30, 2012 surrounded by her devoted family.
Bea was born in Clinton, MA on April 9, 1921, the daughter of the late Ephraim and Nellie (Dooley) Murray. She grew up on a dairy farm in Sterling, MA the youngest of 17 children. She was active in the Sterling Grange and became a lifetime member. After graduating from Leominster High School in 1938 she went on to complete the Hairdressing and Cosmetology course at Worcester Trade's Post graduate program and then serviced private clients in the Worcester area for a time. Upon marriage to G.F. (Junie) Powers, Jr. a dairy farmer from Leominster, Bea embraced her role as homemaker and mother to their 11 children, always aware of and responding effectively to each individual's needs. She was an awesome Mom in every way!
Bea sold Avon and other products in order to provide music lessons for all of her children. She loved attending the many athletic and musical events of which her children and grandchildren were a part. Bea enjoyed listening to music, but Irish music and hymns from Tennessee Ernie Ford were two of her favorites.
As her children got older, Bea went to work at Standard Peroxyloid Co., and later on at the First Aid Bandage Co. in Leominster. In the mid- eighties, Bea worked as a demonstrator selling jewelry at in-home parties. She enjoyed meeting new people and traveling to new places.
Bea will be remembered for her laid-back easy going demeanor, her generous spirit, and her unmistakable Irish wit. Her home was open to friends and strangers alike, with gracious hospitality. Bea gave selflessly to her family and to those in need. She loved life and persevered through challenging circumstances. Later in life she was able to enjoy traveling with family members and was a fearsome opponent at the game of Skip-bo.
Bea is predeceased by 16 siblings; her husband, G.F. Powers, Jr., and two daughters, Peggy O'Neil, and Betty McCaffrey. She leaves 5 sons: Bud and his wife Brenda of Charlton, Larry and his wife Sharon; Barry, Moe and his wife Linda, and Rick and his wife Jane, all of Leominster; she also leaves 4 daughters: Judy Krikorian and her husband Bob of Auburn, Kathleen Leavitt and her husband Russ of Sterling, Bonnie Tetreault and her husband Ernie of Costa Rica, and Patty Powers of Leominster. She also leaves many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews; she loved and enjoyed each and every one of them!
A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 4, 2012 at 9:30 am in St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 60 West Street, Leominster. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Sterling. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 3, 2012 from 4-7 p.m. in the Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home, 106 West Street, Leominster. Memorial donations may be made to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 60 West St., Leominster, MA; or Leominster High School Girls' Basketball Team, c/o Chris Young, 122 Granite St., Leominster, MA 01453.
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