Mary L. Powers

She is survived by her loving children, Mary Forti (Mark Forti) and Bill Powers Jr. (Martha Sherrill) and her adored grandchildren, Madeleine Forti, Lydia Forti, and Will Powers. Mary also leaves her beloved brother, Ted Shallcross Jr. and nephew Ted Shallcross III (Shannon Shallcross) and great-nephews Teddy and Gethan Shallcross.

Born and raised on Smith Hill in Providence, Mary was the daughter of Anne and Ted Shallcross Sr. She shared a close bond with her siblings, Lou-Ann Nixon and Ted Shallcross Jr. Mary and Lou-Ann lived together at Tockwotton until Lou-Ann’s passing five months ago. The family is deeply grateful to the staff at Tockwotton for the compassionate care and warm community spirit that both Mary and Lou-Ann experienced there.

Mary graduated from St. Francis Xavier Academy and St. Joseph School of Nursing in Providence, becoming a proud Registered Nurse. In 1960, she married Bill Powers Sr., whom she met at a La Salle Academy dance. Together they lived in Arizona and several New England towns before settling in Cranston in 1967.

A fun-loving woman with a radiant personality and generous heart, Mary was cherished by her family and friends. She treasured the family’s summers at their Matunuck Beach house and visits with her children and grandchildren in Boston and Cape Cod.

In addition to her religious faith, a mainstay of her life, she had a wide variety of callings and interests that brought her much joy. She was a longtime volunteer in the Cranston public schools and at Mount Saint Rita Health Centre, a skilled nursing facility in Cumberland. An avid swimmer and walker, Mary also found delight in crafting of all kinds, from decoupage to quilting.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. and funeral service at 9:00 a.m. in the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 142 Centreville Rd, Warwick, RI followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 237 Garden Hills Dr, Cranston. Burial will follow at St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to Tockwotton on the Waterfront, 500 Waterfront Drive, East Providence, RI 02914.