Laverne Powers Obituary
Laverne Eileen (Hanrahan) Powers, 89, of Orlando, formerly of Quincy, passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in Orlando, FL.
Laverne was born June 7, 1936, in Calumet City, IL to John Hanrahan and Helen (Peterson) Straube. She was married to Floyd Gilbert Powers on October 28, 1955, in Quincy, IL. He preceded her in death on December 20, 2011.
Survivors include her four children, Laurie Brink (Ron) of Plainville, IL, Bobbi Powers-Hey (John) of Orlando, FL, Ron Powers (Carol) of Palatine, IL, and Chuck Powers of St. Louis, MO; six grandchildren, Dana Kinsella (Mike), Monte Brink (Kristin), Veronica Hartke, Kimberly Porter (Daniel), Kristina Powers, and Jennifer Walker (Tim); fifteen great-grandchildren, Nico, Carter, Jett, Elle, Lily, Kylie, Jadelyn, Teghan, Brenna, Mekaili, Blake, Payton, Emery, Bjorn, Shaela; and one brother, Tommy Straube.
Laverne was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one daughter, Judy Lynn Powers Moss; one son in-law, James Brink; three sisters; and two brothers.
A graduate of Thornton Fractional High School in 1954, Laverne dedicated her early years to creating a warm and loving home. Her role as a homemaker was one she cherished deeply, and she later shared her organizational talents and caring spirit as a church secretary.
Laverne's interests were as varied as they were passionate. She found pleasure in the simple joys of life, from the vibrant colors of her flower garden to the tranquility of fishing on the river. Her artistic side shone through in her paintings and ceramics, and she could often be found lost in the pages of a romance novel, especially those by her favorite author, Nora Roberts.
A true fan of the Chicago Bears, Laverne's enthusiasm for her team was infectious. She was also a gifted cook, known for her amazing potato salad, and enjoyed the flavors of Chinese, Mexican cuisine, and the local favorite, Gem City Pizza. Her love for old country music and the Gaither Brothers was a testament to her appreciation for the classics.
Above all, Laverne cherished the time spent with her family. Their many vacations to places like Cape Coral and Kissimmee were filled with laughter and love, creating memories that will be treasured forever. Laverne was also very fond of her pets over the years including her little dog "Taz" and most recently, her daughter's cat "Katie" which had bonded with her and kept vigil over her in her final days.
Friends and Family are invited to Laverne's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL. A Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Jeff Heberlein officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Published by WGEM on Oct. 3, 2025.