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Sister Elizabeth Roberta Powers, SNJM
Bernice Powers
October 20, 1916 – February 29, 2016
Departed this life on February 29, 2016 at Devonshire Seniors Residence in Windsor, Ontario. Sister Elizabeth Roberta had celebrated 99 years of life and 79 years of religious profession.
Sister Elizabeth Roberta Powers, SNJM
Bernice Powers
October 20, 1916 – February 29, 2016
Sister Elizabeth Roberta Powers, SNJM passed away peacefully on February 29, 2016 at Devonshire Seniors Residence at the age of 99 with the Holy Names Sisters at her side. The ninth of ten children, Bernice, was born in Detroit, Michigan. Predeceased by her parents Elizabeth and Robert Powers, her brothers Cuthbert, James, Edward, Robert, Archibald, Eugene and sisters, Elizabeth (Stevens), Ann (Rutledge), and Mary (Murphy). Sister Elizabeth loved her family and will be fondly remembered by several nieces and nephews.
Bernice entered the Community of the Sisters of the Holy Names on July 23, 1934 and made profession on February 5, 1939. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Detroit in August 1954 and a permanent teacher’s certificate in 1955. She was an excellent teacher and taught in parochial schools for 37 years in Chicago, Detroit and Windsor. Upon her retirement in 1970, she resided at St. Mary’s Academy where she rendered many services, working in the infirmary and as a full time driver bringing the sisters to appointments.
Sr. Elizabeth loved reading, music and listening to Baseball games on her transistor radio. When St. Mary’s Academy closed, she moved to our Residence on Peter Street and in 2006 she moved to Devonshire Seniors Residence. Though this move was a difficult transition, she eventually was able to call Devonshire her home. There she celebrated her 99th birthday on October 20th, 2015. As she became feeble, Sr. Elizabeth received excellent care from Ann Hansen, Lila Naud and several care givers from Devonshire. Many sisters were present to her during her last days. They enjoyed praying with her, her scripture sharings and her sense of humour. In kindness, donations may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Names. Sr. Elizabeth will be remembered as a fun-loving, prayerful woman of the Church. May she rest in peace.