Obituary Overview
In Loving Memory
Mary Katharyn Powers, R.N. of Ottawa, Ontario born February 9, 1936 passed peacefully away on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023 at age 87. She was predeceased by her parents Edmund Ashton Powers and Mary Belle Powers (nee King), brothers Campbell, Barney and Peter and sister Anne. Survived by sister Geneva (Bonnie) Thiele of Vancouver, B.C. as well as a large circle of nieces and nephews.
Mary Powers was a care giver and renown nursing leader who took great pride in her work. Following in the footsteps of her own pioneering mother, Belle, she attended nursing school in Ottawa where she would spend most of her professional life. She eventually became head nurse for the late Dr. Wilbert Keon at the Ottawa Heart Institute, Canada’s premier cardiac facility. Her time at the Ottawa Heart Institute and the work she did there provided many treasured memories throughout her life.
She stepped away early from the Ottawa Heart Institute to care for her mother Belle after the sudden death of her brother Campbell. Mary never failed to answer the call of duty be it for family or in nursing. After Belle’s passing she helped support her brother Peter in his latter years.
Mary an avid athlete in her youth always retained an interest in sport and participated in many activities while she was able. She loved gardening, the arts and travelling. She adored animals and rarely was without a four-legged companion. Prior to the Pandemic she remained actively involved in her retired nurses’ association. She treasured the lifelong friendships she made throughout her nursing career and one can only imagine the party she is now having in the heavens as she rejoins her beloved pals.
Mary will be remembered by her nieces and nephews for the example she set in her commitment to putting family first. There will be fond laughter about her direct manner acquired as a head nurse that worked well in the hospital ward but often got lost in translation at family dinners. Her grand nieces and nephews will miss the great presents they got from Aunt Mary.
While the last 2 years of Mary’s life were difficult the family would like to thank the staff at The Edinburgh retirement home for their kindness and care. A private family ceremony will be held later in the Spring. For those who would like to remember Mary, donations in her memory are welcome to either of her favorite charitable organizations the Ottawa Humane Society or the University of Ottawa Heart Institute Foundation.