Bernice E. Powers

On August 8, 2025, Bernice "Bernie" E. (Brown) Powers, 95, passed away peacefully at her home in Bradford, MA. Born in Lawrence, MA, she later settled in Bradford where she and her beloved husband, Richard Powers, raised their family. Bernie was predeceased by her husband, Richard, her parents, Winifred and Josiah Brown, and by her siblings: George Brown, Winifred Barrett, Elinor Trottier, Richard Brown and Robert Brown. After graduating from Haverhill High School and later McIntosh College, Bernie worked as a medical administrative assistant before marrying the love of her life. Once her children were grown, Bernie turned her passion for antiques into a business, opening a store with her dear sisters and a friend. The quartet could often be spotted squeezed in a station wagon with the back brimming with treasures. A woman of sharp wit, she treated life's adversities with humor and resolve. She took on whatever project needed accomplishing. Whether it was raking 75 bags of leaves, sewing slipcovers and drapes, or cooking for a crowd, she made it look effortless. In later years, she enjoyed bargain hunting, scenic drives and breezing through Sudoku books. Her home was the center of family life. She hosted weekly coffee hours with various family members. Over Taster's Choice coffee and sweet treats, they enjoyed lively discussions about politics and current events and shared a lot of laughs. Known for her style, Bernie always dressed in coordinated outfits adorned with a silk scarf and her signature long string of pearls. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren not only loved visiting "Nana's house" because of the variety of candy available in crystal jars, but even more so due to her sense of humor, as well as the warmth and love of her presence. Bernie welcomed everyone with open arms and had the ability to make every individual feel special. With a twinkle in her eye, she was always ready to listen with genuine interest and concern. Bernie's deep love for her family, and the joy she brought those around her will remain her most enduring legacy. Bernie was the devoted mother of Richard Powers and his wife, Betsy, of Marblehead; Thomas Powers and his recently deceased wife, Betsy, of North Andover; Bruce Powers and his wife, Ellen, of Bradford; and Jennifer Douglas and her husband, Chip, of Wellesley. She was the cherished grandmother of Matthew Powers, Spencer Powers (Grace), Elizabeth Powers (Patrick Knowles), Kate Lindsey (Chris), Brenna Narcisi (Eric), Ellen Pendleton (Chris), Jacqueline Vlahos (Greg), Elise Bradley (Colin), Gwendolyn Powers (Cory Nader), Ryan Douglas and Lexy Douglas. Bernie is also survived by her 13 great grandchildren, her sisters-in-law and many loving nieces and nephews. Bernie's family is deeply grateful to the exceptional caregivers who made it possible to remain in her home this past year. Private family ceremony will be held one Tuesday, August 19 in the Driscoll Funeral Home, Haverhill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bernie's memory to the Buttonwoods Museum in Haverhill, MA. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Bernice E. Powers, please visit our Tree Store.