Born and raised in New Bedford, she was the wife of the late Arthur E. Powell, co-owner of Lester and Powell Insurance Agency; daughter of the late Arthur J. and Eglantine (LePage) Duval; sister of the late Sr. Rhea Duval, S.S.J., and the mother of the late Richard A. Powell of Assonet. Violette was a graduate of Holy Family High School where she enjoyed shorthand, planning for a career as a stenographer. She worked for Aerovox Corporation then became a homemaker, lovingly raising five children. She was an accomplished seamstress, avid reader and also enjoyed knitting, singing, dancing and worldwide travel with her wonderful husband of 49 years. She was also a long time parishioner of St. Julie Billiart Church.
Violette was warm and generous, with a beautiful smile, shining eyes and a quick wit that often caught you off guard. She loved spending time with her family and friends.
Survivors include her children, Thomas V. Powell of Dartmouth, Rev. Robert J. Powell of St. Lawrence, Martyr Parish in New Bedford, Susan J. Powell of Dartmouth and her partner Angie Markwell, Laurie P. and husband John Kinney of Dartmouth, daughter-in-law Mary Powell of Assonet; three grandchildren, four great grandchildren, one niece and one nephew.
Her funeral will be Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at 11 am from the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME at DARTMOUTH, 230 Russells Mills Rd., Dartmouth followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 noon in St. Julie Billiart Parish, 494 Slocum Rd., Dartmouth. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant St., New Bedford. Visitation will be Monday 4-7 pm.
Violette’s family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Cedar Dell who provided loving care to her for the last ten years. We would also like to thank Beacon Hospice of Fall River for their guidance and support.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 577 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104. For online tribute/directions www.waring-sullivan.com.
