Obituary of Anna J. Powers

Anna J. Powers Afton, NY Our mother, Anna J. Powers, so missed her husband and youngest son, Paul Christopher, that she went to be with them peacefully with her loving family by her side on Thursday, March 3, 2011. Though unexpected, we know in our hearts they are together once again. Anna was born on March 31, 1937, in Old Forge, PA, to the late Vito and Raffaela Be. Educated in Pennsylvania, mom met the love of her life, Paul F. Powers, in April 1959, and on September 12, 1959, married him at Chapel #1, Shaw AFB, South Carolina. Their undying love and devotion has brought them together in heaven again after 52 years of marriage. As with our dad, our mom's greatest joy was her grandchildren. The baths in the sink, swimming in the kiddie pool, trips to McDonald's and the Dollar Store, all are memories they will cherish a lifetime. Her best gift to them, besides her love, was her knack of sewing. Her "cuzzies" (blankets) will forever be held by her granddaughters. A hairstylist by trade, Anna's biggest love was raising her children, along with her extended family in the neighborhood. The door was always open and "her house was your house", where you would find homemade cinnamon buns and white pizza. Anna, also known as "meatball mamma", was very active with Marriage Encounter, Teen Seminar and was a member of the Secular Franciscans. The countless, loving friendships formed will forever touch our family. Anna is survived by her children: Brian Powers of Arlington, TX; Denise and Michael Belmont of New Hartford, NY; Marie and Mark Lowe of Nineveh, and Kathleen and Patrick McNeill of Johnson City; as well as Tom Natale, who was like a son. We graciously acknowledge Brittany Paige Hulbert and Elizabeth "Betsy" Pluta, who mom loved as her own. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Ashley Belmont, Malayia and Makenna Lowe and Erin McNeill, all who adored their "mommo." She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Charlette Be, Roberta Be, and Phyllis Powers; her nephews and their wives, Leonard and Maryann Montione of MA, and Charlie and Maryann Montione of FL, together with several nieces and nephews. In addition to her son, Paul Christopher, and her husband, Paul Francis, Anna was predeceased by her brothers, Anthony Be and Peter Be, and a sister, Theresa Montione. Friends are invited to call from 4:00-8:00pm on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel 21 Main St. Sidney, NY 13838. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, March 7, 2011 at St. Agnes Church, Spring St. Afton, New York 13730. Committal will take place in the spring at Glenwood Cemetery, Afton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Agnes and St. John's Churches, 34 South Main St. Bainbridge, NY 13733. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.landersfh.com. The family wishes to send their heartfelt thanks and unending support to Dr. Stephen Dygert, Alice Burnett and his staff. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St. Sidney.