Jane Ann Powers

July 14, 1937 - October 23, 2009

Obituary

Jane Ann Powers

A funeral mass for Jane Ann Ryan Powers, 72, of Federal Way, loving wife and devoted mother, will be celebrated Wednesday, October 28th at 10:00 A.M. at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, 3939 SW 331st St., Federal Way. She died October 23rd at home in the care of her loving family after a long illness.

Born and raised in the Wollaston section of Quincy, MA. Mrs. Powers graduated from North Quincy High School, Class of 1955 where she was a class valedictorian at graduation. She was also a cheerleader for N.Q.H.S. Red Raiders. Before she married, Mrs. Powers worked as a clerk in the sales department at New England Telephone and Telegraph Company, Boston, MA, aiding in handling legal matters before the Court.

Mrs. Powers was a parishioner at St. Theresa’s and spent years as a team leader and member of their sandwich program making sandwiches for the Nativity House in Tacoma. Another of Jane’s interests was supporting Covenant House, which offers services to homeless and runaway youth.

Jane loved many things in life, including her flower garden and time spent on the Oregon Coast, but her true passion, and the great monument to her life, is the extraordinary loving family she built and nurtured with Leo Buzzy, her husband of 52 years.

Jane for many years was a rabid sports fan of NFL and college football, major league baseball, and college basketball. She was a loyal Mariners and Seahawks fan, and as a transplanted New Englander, had a special place in her heart for the Red Sox and Patriots.

She is survived by husband Leo; one son, Michael Powers, and four daughters: Kathleen Brian Schmidt, Patricia Powers, Annmarie Christopher Vance, Amy Hector Lozano. Daughter Julia Marie Powers died as an infant. Jane had eight grandchildren, Kelsey and Allison Schmidt, Nathan Toby Earl and Ashley Earl mother Patricia, Adam and Natalie Vance, Jordan and Samuel Lozano. Great-Grandson is Nathan Ace Earl. Mrs. Powers is survived by brother James Ryan of Augusta, GA. She was preceded in death by brothers Martin Ryan and Gerald Ryan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Franciscan Hospice, 2901 Bridgeport Way W., University Place, WA 98466; or to Nativity House, 2304 S. Jefferson Ave., Tacoma, WA 98402.

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Nancy Williams Rauscher
Nancy Williams Rauscher
5 years ago

Dear Uncle Buzz and Cousins–I was so sorry to hear of Aunt Jane’s passing.

Though as the years passed we didn’t have a chance to see her often, when we did she was always so warm-hearted and kind. Our thoughts are very much with you-Love,

Nancy

Tom & Fran Leonard
Tom & Fran Leonard
5 years ago

Jane may be gone,however she has left leaving such wonderful memories.

John Downs
John Downs
5 years ago

To the Powers family and especially Leo.

I am sad your best friend has gone on to be with our savior Jesus Christ. May your lives continue to be blessed with the memories you all have of her. I believe she could have no greater joy than to know you all will strive to meet with her again across the great divide where she is praising our heavenly father.

May God continue to bless you and your children’s lives.

Mr and Mrs John Downs

norm riviere
norm riviere
5 years ago

Buzz,

Betsy and I extend our deepest sympathy and prayers for you and your family due to the loss of Janie. She will be missed but, I am sure never forfotten.

herb winward
herb winward
5 years ago

Leo,we just arrived in Calif.when Fos informed us about Jane’s Passing.Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.You and Jane raised a wonderful family which is part of her legacy. Although the moments we had in her presence were too few,her many qualities of being a lady of grace,were apparent.

Our sincere condolences to you and your family.

Herb and Joan

Liz Smith
Liz Smith
5 years ago

I will always remember Jane’s great sense of humor which always helped when raising children! Enjoyed good “mom” times when daughters Amy and Becky were playmates. She certainly made the world a better place and will be missed. Love to the family.

Bill and Ann Bishop
Bill and Ann Bishop
5 years ago

Buzz and family,

We were so sad to hear the news. I have many fond memories of Amy and Stephanie together in kindergarten and playing in the neighborhood. Jane was so experienced at motherhood and taught me something everyday. She was also there as I grieved for my own mother. She was one spectacular lady whom I will never forget.

Sending special love to Amy. We are all blessed to have known Jane. The world will indeed miss her.

Brian and Kristen Williams
Brian and Kristen Williams
5 years ago

Dear Buzz and Cousins,

I have many happy memories of Aunt Jane and family gatherings at Hobomack road. We send our deepest sympathy.

Donna,Stephanie,Ean&Jim Van Bramer
Donna,Stephanie,Ean&Jim Van Bramer
5 years ago

May Gods love surround you all now and may you be comforted in knowing that your mom is in Heaven with our Holy Father. The beautiful memories, the love, the kindness and peace of your mom will forever by in your heart as her angel watches over you.

Ean and Stephanie Van Bramer
Ean and Stephanie Van Bramer
5 years ago

Dear Mr. Powers, Feel our hugs and prayers! You are an awesome person and teacher. We love you as do your present and past students. We would love to help do a large Sandwich Project in memory of your Mother in Every Day Heros. She sounds like a great lady that made a very positive difference in the World. What a great History to leave! Peace, Love, Hugs and Prayers, Stephi and Ean

Dalton Weekley
Dalton Weekley
5 years ago

Leo Powers and family –

My sincere condolences on the loss of a wonderful wife and mother.

Andrew Williams
Andrew Williams
5 years ago

Dear Uncle Buzz and Cousins:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Jane’s kindness and humor will always be remembered.

Dan Kearin
Dan Kearin
5 years ago

Leo,

Sorry for your loss. I wish you and your family the best.

Dan

Debbie Oleachea
Debbie Oleachea
5 years ago

Dear Kathy and Family:

So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I know you will all miss her, but she is truly in a better place now. I remember all the good times we used to have, and meeting your family. Your mom was great. Whenever I hear of the Boston Pops playing somewhere I always think of her. Sending you lots of good thoughts, prayers and hugs your way.

Please give your family my condolence’s.

Cousin Jenny
Cousin Jenny
5 years ago

Dear Uncle Buzz and Powers cousins,

I will always remember Aunt Jane as funny, caring and gracious. I am happy that I got to visit with her and you all! a few summers ago and that my husband and son had the chance to meet her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

My sympathies,

Jenny

Don & Dorothy Walker
Don & Dorothy Walker
5 years ago

Jane has always been special from her breakfast in the old days to the friendly way she had with Dorothy and I. We will miss her but others on the other side will be blessed

Raymond & Betty Emmerton
Raymond & Betty Emmerton
5 years ago

Leo,our prays are for you and your family. Ray and Betty

Renee Meyer
Renee Meyer
5 years ago

Leo, Kathy, and Family,

My heart goes out to each of you. The time I spent with your family was priceless, and Jane always made me feel like “one of her girls.” I will treasure my memories of her….such a beautiful lady. I send you my love, hugs, and sympathy.

The Wilson Family
The Wilson Family
5 years ago

Dear Leo and family,

Thank you for letting us know about Jane’s passing Leo. She will be surely missed by all who knew her but remembered fondly for all the good times and unconditional love she gave to her family, friends, and, of course,you Leo throughout her “young” life of 72 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now in hopes that this time of sadness will evolve into wonderful memories and stories of her for years to come. God Bless.

Chet & Carol Sabotka
Chet & Carol Sabotka
5 years ago

We send our thoughts and prayers to Buzz and all of Jane’s family as we remember the wonderful woman who was our neighbor, friend, and bookkepper.

We remember the many years that Jane served as the bookkeeper for our company Gourmet Coffee Service, Inc. She used to be upset by Burger King when they were late in payments and asked them if they let their customers pay 90 days late for a hamburger!!!

Jane was such a wonderful wife and mother. We remember how proud she was of Michael and all her girls and how she loved the grandkids. Her stories of her Mom and Charlie back in MA gave us a glimpse of her love of family.

Carol remembers the Small Faith Community group and is grateful for the sharing done by Jane and Buzz. Jane will be sorely missed by all.

Hope Deschamps
Hope Deschamps
5 years ago

Ann & family,

We are so sorry for your loss and will keep you in our prayers. Jane has raised some incredible girls and I feel blessed to know all of you and count you among my friends. We love you and are here if you need anything.

Cort, Hope, Bridger, & Madison

Kathy Zanardelli
Kathy Zanardelli
5 years ago

Dear Buzz & Family, Our deepest condolences. I will remember Jane as a kind and caring person with a strong love of family. May your memories of her give you peace at this sad time. Kathy and Buckie

Kathy Ramsey
Kathy Ramsey
5 years ago

Leo,

May it bring you comfort knowing the angels are smiling..Jane is with them now. May you find strength in the love of family and friends.

Kathy Ramsey

jean ray
jean ray
5 years ago

my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jeanne

Jim
Jim
5 years ago

Dear Powers Family,

My sincere condolences on the passing of your wonderful mother and grandmother. She was an inspiration to all her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Jim

Lorrie Brunson
Lorrie Brunson
5 years ago

Leo,

May God Bless you and keep you during this time. I always enjoyed talked with Jane at Company events. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Lorrie & Jeff Brunson

Scott Ballantyne
Scott Ballantyne
5 years ago

Leo,

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I never met Jane but know from talking with you that she was the special person in your life.

Your friend,

Scott

Sharon Nelson
Sharon Nelson
5 years ago

Dear Powers Family,

I loved Jane’s kindness, her laughter,

and mostly her sense of humor. She was a

wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be missed so much by so many.

John&Brenda Purcell
John&Brenda Purcell
5 years ago

Leo, we are so sorry for your loss. Jane was a wonderful person and will be very much missed. John & Brenda

Matt Williams
Matt Williams
5 years ago

Dear buzz and family our heartfelt condolences at the passing away of Aunt Jane. I will always remember her smile and pleasant manner

Mike Powers
Mike Powers
5 years ago

Hey guys,

Mom asked & prayed that we would have the strength to let her go. She had confidence that we would continue to live our lives without her to the best of our ability. Obviously it will be tough. I think of her not only as my mother, but as my best friend. We will stick together, though, and we will all find a way to go on, with her forever in our hearts. We love you, Mom.

Mike

Lynn Mahlum
Lynn Mahlum
5 years ago

Dear Leo and family,

So sorry to hear of your lovely wife’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless The Mahlum Family

Marcia Perrine
Marcia Perrine
5 years ago

Dear Leo and the Powers children – I remember Jane welcoming me into your lovely and warm home when Kelsey and my son Bing were tiny. I look back on those days very fondly. She was a gracious and sweet person. The world just got a little darker without her. Peace be with you all. With love, Marcia

Fr.Quigg
Fr.Quigg
5 years ago

Deep sympathy on the death of Jane. I have fond memories of our years at ST. Vincent’sCondolences to Michael,Kathleen,Patricia,Annmarie.I will remember her deepfaithfilled life at Mass. Know that you are all in my prayers at this sad time

Jon & Kelli Vance-McClary
Jon & Kelli Vance-McClary
5 years ago

Jane was truly one of the most loving and gracious people we had ever known. She always made us feel like family. We will miss her very much.

We love you Jane,

Jon & Kelli

Bill and Marilyn Cobble
Bill and Marilyn Cobble
5 years ago

Leo, we are very sorry for your loss. Our sympathies to you and your family.

Bill and Marilyn Cobble

Gary Wejrowski
Gary Wejrowski
5 years ago

Leo I am sorry to hear about Jane’s passing but when I saw you a couple of weeks ago you said she was having a very difficult time. Joyce and I always enjoyed the time we spent with you and Jane at the many company functions we attended together. Joyce and my prayers are with you and your family at this time. May God bless you and comfort you during this difficult time

Stephanie Williams
Stephanie Williams
5 years ago

Dear Uncle Buzzy and Powers cousins:

I am very sorry to hear about Aunt Jane’s passing. Although our families have been separated by distance for many years, I have clear memories of Jane as always being interested in those around her and of her laughter at family gatherings. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this sad time.

Nancy Jaenicke
Nancy Jaenicke
5 years ago

Our prayers are with Jane as she is now bathed in the light of Jesus Christ and no longer in pain, and all of the Powers family in your loss. God bless Jane for the love she showed to her family, the homeless and everyone she knew. Love and prayers,

Nancy and Don Jaenicke

Denise Yanega
Denise Yanega
5 years ago

Leo,

Just hearing about your family made me feel I wanted to be a part of it. Never having met Jane, I am just so sure she had an awful lot to do with the closeness and love you communicated in your writing.

May the strength and support you have offered one another continue at this time.

Our prayers are with you all, Denise & Mike Yanega

jacque Reuter
jacque Reuter
5 years ago

Dear Ann and Family,

Praying for your comfort in the arms of our Heavenly Father.

Losing a mom is so very hard, so much we share with them as daughters.

After time those sweet memories will come at times you least expect and her wise counsel will resinate in your mind.

Bless you all,

Jacque and Jack

TheSchmelebeck Family
TheSchmelebeck Family
5 years ago

Jane was an inspiration.

Her laugh, her smile and her insight, was truly a gift to all.

She cared about how you were feeling and always had a positive comment.

We will miss her, and our prayers are with the famliy.

TheSchmelebeck Family
TheSchmelebeck Family
5 years ago

Jane was an inspiration.

Her laugh, her smile and her insight, was truly a gift to all.

She cared about how you were feeling and always had a positive comment.

We will miss her, and our prayers are with the family.

Lou Williams
Lou Williams
5 years ago

Buzzy, our heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Jane was a wonderful person, who as I recall always thought of others before she thought of herself. Lou Williams and family