Deloris Marian Powell

Deloris Marian Powell was born on February 5, 1924 in Parshall, North Dakota to Frank and Sophie Odermann. She grew up with eight brothers and sisters on a large wheat farm which was homesteaded by her parents. Deloris graduated from St. Nicholas High School in 1942 and for one year after graduation, taught school to second through eighth graders in a one-room schoolhouse. In 1943, she moved to Portland, OR where she worked as a sheet metal worker for Columbia Aircraft and in the Portland shipyards. In 1944, she met Jack Powell, whom she called “Bill.” The married on October 12, 1945 and together they raised two daughters, Barbara and Cindy.

Deloris worked as a directory assistance operator for Pacific Northwest Bell for over 35 years. She balanced work and home-making at a time when most mothers didn’t work outside the home. Her home was always spotless and attractive inside and out. She was an excellent cook who preferred only the freshest ingredients, made her own pickles, canned home-grown fruit, and baked dozens of fruit cakes for family and friends every Christmas. She enjoyed gardening and was an expert seamstress who sewed her own and her daughters’ clothing---- and even a few “leisure suits” for Jack in the 1970s. She was a perfectionist in all that she did. Deloris was an avid news-watcher and, even in her last days, was keenly interested in current events and politics. She often ate dessert first, but only after her children were grown.

Shortly after retirement, Deloris and Jack moved to Nehalem, OR where they lived for twenty years until Jack died in 2005. They were married for almost 60 years. Deloris was a life-long Catholic who cherished her Catholic faith and drove 25 miles each way to attend daily Mass in her retirement. At the time of Jack’s death, she moved back to Portland to be close to her daughters.

Deloris passed from this world into eternity on October 4, 2010. She will be deeply missed, but as she herself recently reflected, “I’ve had a long life---and I’ve had a happy life.” She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Nizich, and Cindy Bankston (Michael), grandchildren, Jeff Nizich (Mary) and Marie Nizich, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Therese Catholic Church, 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 14, 2010 preceded by a rosary at 10:00 a.m.

Remembrances in Deloris’ name may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, Oregon Right to Life, and Northwest Family Services.