Mary Louise Powell, age 71, of 418 Washington St. Quincy, formerly of Payson, died on Monday, January 26, 2015 in Blessing Hospital. She was born January 6, 1944 in Milroy, MN a daughter of Ferdinand and Louise (Boerjan) Dobias. She married James R. Powell of April 11, 1964, and he preceded her in death on March 17, 2013.

Mary had most recently worked at the Quincy Senior Center. She was a hard worker, and did residential cleaning for many years, worked as a home health aide, was a reporter for the Barry newspaper and picked-apples in Barry. She graduated with honors from Milroy, MN High School.

She was an active member of St. Brigid Catholic Church in Liberty, and a member of the Legion of Mary and the Secular Franciscans. Mary helped prepare many parish meals, and was always willing to cook for the priest. She cleaned the church and helped in any way that she could at her parish. God was first and foremost in her life, and her faith was strong and a wonderful example to others. Mary was a member of the quilting group at St. Brigid, and she enjoyed this along with crocheting.

Survivors include her THREE CHILDREN: Diane Powell of Austin , TX; Patricia Powell of Pittsfield, IL and Fr. Michael Powell, OMI of Tewksbury, MA; two brothers Clarence (Veronica) Dobias of Las Vegas, NV and Edward (Betty) Dobias of Sun City Center, FL and nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister, Shirley Neuse and a brother, David Dobias.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Brigid Catholic Church celebrated by her son, Fr. Michael Powell, OMI and Fr. Jeff Stone. Interment will be in Sunset Cemetery, Quincy. Visitation will be Thursday morning from 9:30 until 10:30 at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Kepley House in Pittsfield, IL or masses may be given in Mary’s name.
Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.