Jo-Ann V. Powers

Jo-Ann V. Powers, 82, a lifelong resident of New Bedford, passed away on August 16, 2026. Born in New Bedford on November 2, 1943, Jo-Ann was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Jardin) Vieira. She was a graduate of New Bedford High School and later earned an Associate’s degree from Hartford Institute of Accounting.

She was employed as a bookkeeper for Centre Jewelers and also worked as a bank teller for First Fed, now Webster Bank.

Jo-Ann was married to Paul F. Powers for 56 years. She is survived by her son, Scott N. Powers and his wife Christine; her daughter, Wendy H. Tierney and her husband Paul; and her brother, Nelson H. Vieira and his wife Nancy Levitt Vieira. She was predeceased by her daughter, Heather L. Powers. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Lauren Powers, Leah Powers, Paul “PJ” Tierney, Jr., and Abigail Tierney, who were the heart of her days and the pride of her life. Jo-Ann is further survived by her close nephew, Aaron Vieira, and many nieces and nephews.

Jo-Ann’s love for her family was most evident in the time she shared with her grandchildren—especially through crafts, where patience and tenderness turned ordinary moments into cherished memories. She found comfort and pleasure in cooking and baking, knitting, and the friendly competition of card and board games. Jo-Ann also enjoyed cruises with her husband and trips to the casinos.

Well known in her community, she will be remembered as a familiar presence and greatly missed by all who loved her.

Visiting hours will be held at Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford, on Friday, August 21, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Gabriel the Archangel Church, 343 Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford, on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 9:30 am. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, 1100 Ashley Blvd, New Bedford.