Mary Ann Powers

Mary Ann Powers, age 74, of Beavercreek, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on August 15, 2024. Born on March 30, 1950 in Peoria, Illinois, she is the daughter of the late Albert and Marion Nichting. Mary is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Phillip Powers, and their children: Charles (Lisa) Powers of Melbourne FL, Eric (Patricia) Powers of New York, NY, and Alicia (David) Zhou of Springboro, OH. She was the proud grandmother of Sarah Powers, Eleanor, Juliet & Rhys Zhou, and was eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new grandchild due this month. She always welcomed people into her home and family, including Christian (Annette) Kupper of Zurich, Switzerland, a former exchange student who became a honorary son, along with their three children Charlotte, Moritz, and Louise Kupper. Mary is also survived by her siblings: Barbara (Dean) Koger of Redmond, OR, Donald (Carol) Nichting of Gilbertsville, KY, David (Jeanne) Nichting of Loudon, TN, and Carol Sue (Travis) Moskal of Loudon, TN.

Mary’s greatest joy in life was her family, and she was deeply devoted to them. She was a loving and supportive wife, offering unwavering partnership to her husband, Phillip. Her calm and nurturing presence was a constant source of strength for him, and their partnership was a testament to the power of love and commitment. As a mother, Mary always put her children first. From their very first steps through the challenges they faced later in life, she was always there—spending countless hours helping them learn, grow, and become the people they are today. Her unwavering support and guidance shaped their lives in immeasurable ways. Mary’s passion extended beyond her family into her craft of making porcelain dolls, sewing, and knitting. She lovingly created dolls from start to finish - carefully painting their delicate faces and sewing personalized outfits. Each doll was a unique reflection of her artistry and the amazing woman she was. 

Mary’s selflessness was recognized by all who knew her, and she was known for putting others ahead of herself, always extending a hand to those in need. This spirit of service was evident in her work as a State of Ohio Ombudsman, where she tirelessly advocated for the vulnerable in nursing homes. She also knitted hundreds of stuffed comfort bears for the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, volunteered at the University of Dayton’s Marian Library Creche collection, and participated in numerous committees at St. Luke Catholic Church, including the candle ministry and sewing group. Mary was an active associate member the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in Cincinnati, OH.

 A calm and loving presence, Mary was slow to anger and always strove to make those around her feel cared for. Her legacy of love, selflessness, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be missed greatly.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of the Notre Dame de Namur (https://www.sndohio.org/support-the-sisters/donate-now) or Saint Vincent de Paul of Dayton (https://stvincentdayton.org/how-to-donate/).

Visitation will be held from 5:00pm-7:00pm on Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Newcomer Funeral Home (3380 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek). There will be a funeral mass held at 10:30am on Friday, August 23, 2024 at St. Luke Catholic Church (1440 N Fairfield Rd., Beavercreek. Mary will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery in Dayton. 

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