R. Michele Powers

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R. Powers Obituary

POWERS WINSTON-SALEM - R. Michele Powers, 80, passed away at the J. Paul Sticht Center on Thursday, May 21, 2009. She was born on January 5, 1929, in Jersey City, New Jersey, the daughter of Michael and Julia Powers. Ms. Powers entered the order of the Dominican Sisters of Newburgh, New York and later graduated from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. She also attended Jersey City State University. Eventually, she became Principal and Mother Superior in Durham, North Carolina and later in Larchmont, New York. Ms. Powers was also a member of Sisters for Christian Community. When she moved to North Carolina, she started Response Listening, Inc. Ms. Powers was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by three sisters, Doris Patrick, Julie Powers, and Georgette (John) Dutkiewicz; nieces and nephews, Michele (Gary) Davies, Stephen (Maria) Dutkiewicz, Sandra (Nicholas) Lazorcheck, and Scott (Vicky) Dutkiewicz; grand nieces and nephews, Alexandria, Brandon, and Caterina Dutkiewicz, Michael Davies, and Abigail and Charles Lazorcheck; and her special friends, Nancy Julian and Carolyn Namie. A Memorial Mass for Ms. Powers will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church with Father Brian Cook officiating. The family will receive friends after the service at the Church. Memorials in Ms. Powers' s name may be made to the charity of one' s choice.

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Published by Winston-Salem Journal on May 23, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for R. Powers

12 Entries

Andrea (Hageman) Peterson

May 31, 2009

I have known Michele since 1966 while my mother was a teacher in Durham and Michele was the principle (I was three). She was a wonderful part of our family and two weeks ago I had just taken a walk down memory lane with her and she told me stories of my parents I never knew. We were to have lunch in a week but I did not hear from her. I have just learned of this terribly sad news and I am heartbroken. I wish peace for all those who loved her and I will keep her family in my prayers.

Herbert Rodman

May 28, 2009

Michelle was a very special lady, a warm soul with the spirit of an angel. I thank GOD I got the chance to meet and know her and I will miss her dearly. She came into the medical library early mornings to read the local paper and we would have morning talks about world affairs, I would see her walking in my neighborhood and we would stop and talk before going our seperate ways -- she will be missed.

Catherine Dancy

May 26, 2009

Michele was a very special lady who cheered me up greatly with her phone calls and her visits to the library. I had tea at her home once and she made it very special for me. She let me talk on and on about everything. I will miss her spirit and hope I have as much energy as she did when I get to be that age.

Jamall M. Grice

May 26, 2009

How can I ever say how much I will miss Ms. Michele . She had a smile that would brighten any room and an energy that I would long to have. When Ms. Michele would come into the library she would always have a kind and encouraging word for me . She always would listen to me intently especially when I spoke about President Obama and school . Just by knowing her she has made a better person.

Shirley Koritnik

May 25, 2009

I could write for hours about Michele--her energy, her delight in ideas, her pleasure in being in the middle of whatever important/meaningful/helpful thing was going on today, her love of people and uncovering their beauty and celebrating it with them--especially the underdog. Her passion for justice, for righting wrongs against women, for holding power accountable were such a contribution. I loved her mischievous spirit as it shone through the kindest eyes and warmest voice on earth. She's left the wealth of her legacy sprinkled among all of us who were so privileged to know her and love her. What a surprise that she stepped so instantly into eternity! We're happy for her, bravely smiling through our tears because her gain is certainly a huge loss for us.

Barbara Vedder-Thomas

May 25, 2009

Dear Michele, You were a wonderful superior and principal when I was stationed with you in Durham, NC. You were the most kind and caring person during that period of my life. You were a superb principal and were liked by all. I remember attending a Presbyterian Candlelight Ceremony on Christmas Eve one year (all 7 of us in our religious garb). What a greeting we received from everyone. It is not surprising that you continued to work in God's Service in Winston-Salem. Thank you again for making that trip to New Haven to visit after our daughter Maureen died. It was an awesome visit and I will never forget it.

Van Nguyen

May 25, 2009

Ms. Michele attended my commencement at WFU on that day. She had the biggest smile on her face as she prepared to see me walk across the stage. I promised to her that I would become a doctor and that I will. Ms. Michele, thank you for everything you have done for me and I'll be sure to make you proud. I love you.

Sarah McFarland

May 23, 2009

Michele was my favorite girlfriend in WS. She was interesting and interested, and we shared so many interests: New York City, the arts, travel, politics and the movies. I will miss her dearly. Love always,

Garry Green

May 23, 2009

My friend Michele was the sweetest, kindest and most understanding person I have ever known. Her accomplishments are to be envied and imitated. God has her now and we rejoice.

Michelle circa 1952

May 23, 2009

Laura Green

May 23, 2009

A bright and beautiful light has gone from this world that we know.I feel very blessed to have been able to share some wonderful times with her.We all have happy memories that we can share.My thoughts and prayers to all of you.

Charles and Angela Mauck

May 23, 2009

Michele was a dear friend of our mother, Joyce Mauck. We were so blessed to have two wonderful women in our lives.

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