Mary Lou Powell

Mary Lou “Lou” Powell, 94, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on March 26, 2023. She was born in Garrett Indiana on April 17, 1928, to the late Carson and Mildred Schlosser. She graduated from Garrett High School in 1946 and attended Indiana University where she received her Registered Nursing Degree in 1950. She went on to earn a B.S. in Nursing from St. Francis University in Illinois. She married Burt Powell on October, 11, 1952 in Garrett. She and Burt had three sons and were married for over 49 years until Burt’s passing in 2002.

When Burt and Lou moved to Fort Wayne in 1961, she began working at Parkview Hospital primarily as a labor and delivery nurse. Lou spent the majority of her career working as a public health nurse for the Fort Wayne-Allen County Board of Health. She retired as the Director of Public Health Nurses. Lou was instrumental in helping to establish Super Shot Saturday. She was passionate about providing childhood immunizations and public health services to improve the health of the people of Allen County.

Lou and Burt enjoyed traveling, playing golf and tennis, sailing and spending time with their sons and grandchildren. Lou was very social and enjoyed people. She loved family reunions, holiday celebrations, her co-workers, higher education and was engaged with current events. She was an enthusiastic supporter of Indiana University sports and enjoyed watching games with family.

She is survived by her three sons, John (Kathy Callen) Powell, Fort Wayne, Joe Powell, Chicago, Illinois, Tom (Tricia) Powell, Mabank, Texas; as well as eight grandchildren, Lindsey Powell, Jeff Powell, Claire Powell and Carson Powell, John (Stephanie) Callen, Tom (Neysa Nankervis) Callen, Mary Callen, Abby Bergeron; great-grandson, Tyce Callen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Jim and Ned Schlosser; and her sister, Jean Miller. The family is grateful for the care that Mary Lou received at Kingston Residence from all caregivers especially Dorena, Jenny, Katie and Renee Krienbrink.

She will be remembered for her enthusiasm, love for her family and as a kind person with a happy smile. She loved life and those in her life and was much loved in return. She will be dearly missed. May God bless her soul.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, 6424 Winchester Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46819 with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be held from 5:00-8:00 pm on Monday, April 3, 2023 at the funeral home. Burial to follow the service at Christian Union Cemetery in Garrett.

Preferred memorials are to Super Shot, Inc., Indiana University School of Nursing or the donor’s choice.