MARY JANE POWELL FORMERLY OF HAMMOND, IN Mary Jane Powell (nee Quinn) of Wilmette, IL, passed away suddenly on August 3, 2008, at the age of 79. Born in Aliquippa, PA on April 10, 1928, she moved to Hammond as a young child. She attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and graduated in 1947 from George Rogers Clark High School. After working as a secretary for the Standard Oil Company and an insurance company, she married her high school sweetheart in 1951 and started a family in Munster. The family moved to Wilmette in 1966 where their four children attended St. Joseph Catholic School and New Trier East High School. Mrs. Powell, who was known as Jane, was an active parishioner at St. Joseph's, initially volunteering in the school's library and cafeteria and assisting with various Girl Scout activities. In more recent years, she became actively involved with the Legion of Mary, visiting retirement and nursing homes in and around Wilmette. She made weekly visits to residents of the Mary Haven and Abington nursing homes in Glenview, the Manor Care facility in Wilmette and the Claremont Home in Buffalo Grove. She also spent time with the Sisters of Christian Charity at their Wilmette convent. One church friend spoke about Mrs. Powell's "unconditional giving" when talking about her role in the Legion of Mary. Another called her "an angel" because she was always there to help. A longtime family friend said she was "the strongest woman in the world" because of the active schedule she maintained. In addition to her ministry work, Mrs. Powell and her husband served on their high school reunion committee, gathering their classmates together regularly, most recently in 2007. Mary Jane is survived by her husband, Arthur; son, Arthur Jr. (Joanne Spigner) of Madison, NJ; daughters: Gigi (Mark) Daly, Erin Powell and Tish (Kevin) Bright, all in or near Cincinnati, OH; and eight grandsons. She also leaves a sister, Pat (Jack) Hein, of Abilene, TX. A funeral mass was celebrated on August 9th at St. Joseph Church, and interment was at Memorial Park Cemetery in Skokie, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the Legion of Mary, St. Joseph Church, 1747 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, IL, 60091.