Jean Marie Theresa Powers, of Congers, NY, formerly of Ringwood, NJ passed away in the quiet and comfort of her family’s home on Friday, October 28, 2022.
Beloved sibling of Mary Beth Powers and husband Andrew Berkowitz, Christopher Powers and wife Patricia, Michael Powers and wife Teri, Katie McNamara and husband Michael, and Tim Powers and wife Dawn. Cherished Aunt ‘Gigi’ of Morgan, Christopher and wife Erika, Jack, Aidan, Patrick, Kearsten, Sean, Connor, Raymond, Tess, Kayleigh, Katie and Claire. Jean Marie is also survived by many loving Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends.
Jean Marie grew up on Cupsaw Lake in Ringwood, attended DePaul Catholic and the Culinary Institute of America. A skilled chef and baker, friends and family looked forward to her Irish soda bread each year around St. Patrick’s Day. Blessed with an amazing work ethic, Jean Marie maintained a dual career track in hospitality and real estate sales. Most current work highlights included Giants Stadium, Del Arte Restaurant, Time Hotel, and The Adamo Group. Jean Marie enjoyed global travel but could often be found at the Jersey Shore. She was a loyal fan of the NY Rangers, NJ Devils, NY Yankees and Giants. Above all, Aunt Gigi was unconditionally devoted to her family, especially proud of her nieces and nephews.
Jean Marie is predeceased by her loving parents, Theresa C. Powers (nee Dougherty) of Bronx, NY and Michael C. Powers, of Inwood, NY and is survived by her step-mother Nancy McGrath Powers of Greenwich, CT.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, November 4th at 12:30 PM at St. Catherine’s RC Church, 112 Erskine Road, Ringwood, NJ with interment to follow at Christ the King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jean Marie may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, St. Jude’s Hospital and United Hospice, New City, NY.
www.pizzifuneralhome.com
JeanMarie was such fun and I have so many wonderful memories of vacations, time at the beach and so many family parties. You will be missed and Rest In Peace. My sincere condolences to the family and hopefully the wonderful memories will help you through this sad time. Hugs and Love Susan
Jean Marie was a hard working hard partying Irish girl who loved all things Irish. I treasure memories of parties in Cupsaw especially Christmas. She loved Jersey, especially the Boss and Bonjovi. She was generous to a fault and above all she adored her family. I don’t believe she ever got over the untimely death of her mother because none of us did. Tess was taken far too soon. They are together now with Buddy. Jack will be thrilled when she shows up. Be careful you two I think you can even be kicked out of heaven. Probably sent to Limbo. I was overwhelmed by her bravery and overwhelmed by the devotion of her sisters. God Bless you guys. Andy you’re the best. She died with grace surrounded by Love. I will miss her terribly. Jean give Jack a big hug. God Bless.
JM, you will be missed by many! You were always one of the funniest people I knew. We would laugh at the stupidest things but laugh for days! and forget about our traveling extravaganzas! So much fun, from Costa Rica, London, Ireland, Aspen, St. Thomas, and Bahamas just to name a few and we cannot forget about camping with Vinny and Jessie! You always packed like you were going for a month with the “just in case” thought in your head. Never leaving behind the big barrel of UTZ’s pretzel sticks as a “snack”. I’ll always be grateful that you suffered being in not one but BOTH of my weddings! Now that is a true friend! We had our ups and downs over the years but you were always like a sister to me for over 50 years. XOXO Lala
I had the honor of being a kid with Jeanmarie. Some kids just know how to have fun and be ridiculous. She did. Starting when we both lived on Skyline Drive in Ringwood, we were so young but I have great memories of that time. Then growing up together in Cupsaw and right up through our DePaul days. We had so many laughs. Probably serious talks too, but I don’t remember that! Just laughing until my stomach hurt. We sat together on the bus to DePaul each morning, 6:30 am, we could barely open our eyes but our mouths sure worked! Lots of joking around, much of it directed at our long-suffering bus driver, “Space Cadet”. Not sure I would have survived the daily 1 hour rides without her. I really can’t believe she’s gone. My heart breaks for the entire Powers family and for her huge circle of friends. With love from Suellen (Steffich) Gordon.
Rest in peace JM, you’ll be sadly missed by all your Irish cousins. You touched each of us fondly on those mad trips you made here with the gang over the years. Always up for the ‘craic’ and you were certainly never lost in a crowd!!
‘Ar dheis Dè go raibh a hanam’
My heart is broken at the loss of such an amazing woman. I came to know Jean Marie many years ago at the Time Hotel and she became a dear friend. She was so full of life and energy and spunk and kindness that her death will be felt by so many. My deepest condolences to all of her family and friends and everyone who loved her but she rest in peace.
Our Meadowlands family is a little smaller without you JM but I’m happy we spent so many years working, traveling and so many other events together. Rest in Peace my friend, until we meet again.
My niece, Jean Marie, a one-of-a-kind gal….a free spirit who loved life, travel, friends and family….I was the aunt who was readily available to babysit on Skyline Drive for Tessy and Buddy until I started to make my own way…JM and MB were the cutest babies so I was eager to be called on!?!? Until I met John, and, of course included him on the treks from Inwood to Skyline (I used to take buses!!!but thankfully John, newly NYPD, bought a car)….eventually we became engaged and it was a given that MB, JM, and Michelle, my sister Maureen and Frank’s daughter and another niece, would then be our junior bridesmaids ( sorry Katie you came later)…Jean, you were dearly loved by John and I and then later my kids loved you too….we remember our family parties and the good times in Jupiter…And now, as I write this, I can only say it was my privilege to have assisted you and MB and Katie in your time of need ….your sisters were heroes, so generous, caring and loving … u, too, Andy!
Jean, you have left this earth way too early…you weathered this past year like a real trooper…your courage with this illness was warrior-like and I will always remember how positive you remained in my presence as you fought like hell to live…now you’re with Tess and Bud, Aunt Maureen and my John who I know were standing and smiling with God as u entered the gates of Heaven…I love you Jean and will forever miss you❤️✝️
My deepest condolences to the family. So sad to learn of her passing. She was so hardworking with an amazing sense of humor. I worked with her in real estate and loved her great attitude and can do spirit. My prayers are with you; may she Rest In Peace.
We will all miss your light. You are kind and funny and it shined through in all you did. I had the pleasure of working together. God bless, enjoy paradise my friend.
Jean Marie was one of those people who lade everyone feel comfortable and welcome. She was a passionate defender of her family and its traditions. Her devotion to them complete. She will be dearly missed.
Rest In Peace sweet lady. You you were brave and beautiful and strong! So glad you were a part of my life. Thankyou
Rest in Peace Jean Marie. Hard to believe you are gone. You were always such fun and so welcoming whenever we met you in New York or Ireland. Always such fun and full of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you on your final journey and also our sympathies go to all the extended family.