Jane was born at home in Somerset, Mass., on Dec. 19, 1937, the daughter of John J. Burns and Virginia Carvalho Burns. She was raised and educated in her birthplace, graduating from Somerset High School in 1955. She was trained as a nurse at Boston City Hospital, receiving her professional degree in 1958. During her internship, Jane met Edwin T. Powers Jr. after making an excursion by train from Boston to Bath, Maine. They were married on May 24, 1958. Newly wed, she served as a military spouse during his deployments. After his retirement from the Navy, Mr. and Mrs. Powers returned to Bath in order to raise their two children.
Jane Powers was a nurse, a merchant, a politician, an employee of L.L. Bean, and an artist. In healthcare, she began her career at Bath Memorial Hospital. In commerce, she was a small business owner. She managed Lydia Gutch, a woman’s apparel store in Bath. In politics, Jane served on the Board of Selectmen of the town of West Bath for 11 years, seven of these years acting as chairperson. She was a delegate at the Maine Democratic Convention and a candidate for state senate. Jane was instrumental in the building of the present West Bath Town Hall. At L.L. Bean, she worked as a customer satisfaction representative and ended as she started as a nurse.
Jane Powers possessed a love for life, a firmament of faith, and a devotion to her children. She enjoyed celebrating, painting, interior decorating, as well as hosting and cooking for others. She was a protective and generous gift to all her family and friends. Jane will be dearly missed.
Jane was the widow of Edwin T. Powers Jr. She is survived by a son, Timothy M. Powers, and his wife, Joanne Powers; and a daughter, Jane Casey Powers, and her partner, Josh Seals. Jane leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Emily Jane Powers, Mary Elizabeth French and Zachary B. French. She was the sister of John J. Burns, Joseph L. Burns and the late Robert J. Burns. Additional survivors include sister-in-law Katy Powers, niece Molly Weir, nephew Coley Powers, and her former companion, Robert Pellegrini.
At her request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jane’s name to the Coastal Humane Society, 190 Pleasant St., Brunswick, ME 04011.
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