Mary Ann Powell, age 83, of Stevens Point, died peacefully October 24, 2017 at the Portage County Health Care Center while under the care of Heartland Hospice and her family.

A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 AM, Friday, Oct. 27, 2017 at Holy Spirit Parish (St Stanislaus Catholic Church) with Rev. Tom Lindner presiding. A time of visitation will be held at Boston Funeral Home on Thursday, beginning at 3 PM and concluding at 7 PM with a Rosary, led by the Rosary Society.

Visitation will also be held at the church on Friday from 10 AM until the time of the Funeral Mass. Burial will follow the service in Guardian Angel Cemetery.

Mary was born on Jan. 21, 1934 to the late Francis and Dorothy (Prondzinski) Puwalowski in Stevens Point, WI. She grew up in Stevens Point and attended kindergarten at the University Training School; first grade at Garfield Public School; second through eighth grade at St Stanislaus Catholic Grade School; and high school at St Joseph Academy. Mary Ann graduated high school in 1951 as Salutatorian. She continued her education at Wisconsin State Teachers College (UWSP) and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education and Masters of Science in Education.

In her earlier years, Mary Ann worked at the Portage County Court House and at Hardware Mutual (Sentry Insurance) in the legal offices. After completing her higher education, she was able to pursue her passion of teaching. Mary Ann became an elementary teacher and taught kindergarten for over 40 years: three years in Green Bay, nine years in Mosinee, and twenty eight years in Stevens Point.

Mary Ann’s faith was essential to her and was a devout member of St Stanislaus Catholic Church. She enjoyed being active with her parish and pursuing roles within religious education. Mary Ann enjoyed assisting with Parish Christian Leadership, diocesan lay leadership courses, diocesan Bible course led by Fr. Mark Pierce, Bible Scholar, and teaching first grade Parish religious education. She was Chairman of the Prayer and Spirituality committee for over 25 years, served on the Parish Counsel, a member of the Sacred Worship Committee, a regular reader during Christian Mass, often served as a Eucharistic minister, sang on the Resurrection choir for funerals, and was a member of the Rosary Society.

In addition to her devout nature, her passion for education and teaching touched the lives of countless individuals at a young age, engaging them in stimulating educational experiences. This included hands on experiences of Japan and other areas of the world, including reflections of her travels to England and Scotland. In her spare time, Mary Ann liked reading, sewing, floral gardening, and creative writing. Mary Ann was also was a member of the Stevens Point Teachers Association and Washington School Retired Teachers Association.

Survivors include her brothers, Fred (Janet) Powell and John Powell; nieces, Joanne Powell, Julie (Corey) Johnson; nephews, James (Jennifer) Powell, Robert Powell, Thomas Powell, Michael Powell, and Daniel (Sachiko) Powell; grand-nephew, Tyler Powell; grand-niece, Ashley Powell; and extended family and friends.

Online condolences may be made to www.bostonfuneralhome.net.