Obituary of Sr. Anne Powers R.S.M.

On the 4th of March, Sister Anne Powers R.S.M. (Sister Mary Michaeline) went home to her loving God whom she served faithfully for 62 years as a Sister of Mercy. She was born on August 23, 1930 in Perth Amboy to the late Mary and Maurice Powers. She attended St. Mary's grade and high school in Perth Amboy. On September 8, 1948, she entered the Sisters of Mercy and professed her perpetual vows on March 9, 1954. She was a graduate of Georgian Court College (University) and Seton Hall University where she received a Masters Degree in Administration and Supervision. Sister Anne was committed to her students and their families as a teacher in St. Joseph's, North Plainfield, Holy Cross, Rumson, St. Mary's, Bordentown, St. Elizabeth's, Bernardsville and became principal of St. Catherine's, East Keansburg (now Middletown) where she devoted 24 years. Many who knew her then will attest that there is a piece of her heart that will always remain there. Most recently, she was the Pastoral Associate at St. Mark's, Sea Girt for ten years. She had a great love for animals, nature and the sea in addition to reading, music, dancing and her Yankees, Giants and Notre Dame teams. Three years ago, a highlight of her life was a trip to the Holy Land given to her by Phyllis Blaine, a dear and special friend. But nothing surpassed the love she had for all of her family, many friends and the Sisters of Mercy. Along with her many close friends, especially Sister Marie Keating, she is survived by her loving brother Michael and his wife, Ann; her niece, Michele Powers; nephews, Michael and Brian Powers and his wife, Dawn; grandnephews, Mitch, Conor, and Cole Powers and grandniece, Bryn Powers. She will be missed by all those who knew and loved her for the kind, loving, and gentle woman who she was. A special thank you to Monsignor Carton, Monsignor Flynn, Father Maynard, Deacon Dennis Saake, Deacon Michael Grogan and the parish staff and people of St. Mark's in Sea Girt who were so good and walked by her side during her over 5 year courageous journey with cancer. Also, she had the deepest gratitude for all the wonderful friends and neighbors who came to visit, made meals, gave rides and offered so many prayers. She appreciated the VNA women who so lovingly cared for her, Joe Donatelli for his kindness driving her to Sloan Kettering, Joanne Gibson for being her companion and dear friend on her journey by driving her to doctors and taking notes, Deacon Dennis and Sara Lynch for their innumerable acts of kindness. Also for the compassionate care she received by the medical professionals, especially the Brennan 6 staff at Jersey Shore, Dr. Henry Sprance, Jeanine and Dr. Christian Kaunzinger. And lastly, she enjoyed the loyal companionship of her feline friend of 17 years, Angel. St. Mark's Catholic Church, located at 215 Crescent Parkway in Sea Girt, New Jersey will hold a visitation on Thursday, March 10th from 4pm to 8 pm. with a Welcome Home service at 7 pm. Viewing will also be held on Friday, March 11th from 9am to 11am followed by an 11 am Mass of Christian Burial. Following the Mass, in the spirit of Mercy hospitality, please join us in the downstairs parish hall for a "Comfortable Cup of Tea" (taken from the words of Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy). All are invited to attend. After the repast, a funeral procession will proceed to the burial site at Holy Redeemer Cemetery in South Plainfield. Memorial donations may be made to McAuley Hall Health Care Center, 1633 Highway 22W, Watchung, NJ.