Florence E. Powers

Florence E. “Flo” Powers, 97 of Millbury passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 25th at Christopher House Nursing Home in Worcester.

She is survived by her children, Patricia Bjork of Gilmanton, N.H., David Powers of Belmont, N.H., and Robert Powers and his wife Annette, of Millbury; eight nieces and nephews; one cousin, Janet Ellis of Hopedale and long-time friends, the Mogren family. She was pre-deceased by her husband John Powers in 1988, her parents John and Margaret Sharp, sisters Eva Higginson and Ruth Fugere-Downs and her husband Robert Downs, a nephew Alan Fugere, a son-in-law Joel Bjork and her close friend Audrey Mogren.

Flo was a lifelong member of the Millbury Federated Church, where she was a teacher and superintendent for the church school. She also served on many of the boards, committees, and was co-chair of the Women’s Fellowship. Flo was instrumental in the founding of the Millbury Federated Church Kindergarten and Nursery School where she passionately served as director, teacher, secretary, and board member at various times over 30 years.

After graduating from MHS in 1946, Flo worked at State Mutual Life Assurance Company. She was program co-director for Millbury Children’s Summer Program at Windle Field for 4-5 years where she was affectionately known as “The Pot Holder Lady”. She worked for eight years at Elm Park Center for Early Childhood Education, ten years at UMASS Medical Child Care Center, MSPCC Teen Parent Program. Flo was also a family day care provider and a nanny. As a member of Worcester Area and Mass. Area Associations for the Education of Young Children she was presented with an award by Gov. Michael Dukakis. She was an advocate for children’s services at the Massachusetts State House. Her entire life was centered around the care, needs, and the study of children.

Flo enjoyed spending time spent with her family, friends, and relatives, knitting, cryptogram puzzles, poetry and music. She also enjoyed Scrabble and theater days in Boston with special friends, Scott and Jackie Wellman. Flo looked forward to trips to Wells and Kennebunkport, Maine with her cousin Janet. Fridays often included lunch, afternoon coffee, chats at Scales and later Dunkins with a group of friends. She had a passion for learning something new every day and never forgot to count her blessings.

Family and friends are invited to remember and celebrate Flo’s life by gathering for a time of visitation on Friday, June 6th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Mulhane Home for Funerals, 45 N. Main Street, Millbury. 

Her funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. in the funeral home with burial to be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the 

Friends of Millbury Seniors, 1 River St., Millbury 01527.

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If you would like to send flowers to these services Mulhane Home for Funerals recommends contacting a local florist directly.

Local Florist:

Floral Boutique 508-754-5637 www.floralboutiquemillbury.com 

Posies N Presents 508-581-4164 www.posiesnpresents.com