Elizabeth Powell, RSM

Sister Elizabeth Powell, age 85, died peacefully at McAuley Convent in Merion, PA on August 11, 2017, surrounded by her family, closest friends and community members.Sr. Betty, as she was lovingly known, is survived by her sisters, Sister Rita Powell, RSM and Mrs. Mary Grahn; her nieces and nephews, and several grand-nieces and grand nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Arthur and Daniel,Sister Betty, the youngest of five, was raised in Philadelphia by Arthur and Mary Cecelia Powell. She attended St. Benedict grade school from 1937-1945. She graduated from Gwynedd Mercy Academy and Entered the Sisters of Mercy in 1949.St. Betty’s history of ministry depicts that of someone who could insert herself easily into whatever she was asked to do. She was an educator for many hears in both elementary and secondary schools in the archdiocese of Philadelphia, and spend the last 19 years of her education career at Mercy Career and Technical High School.Later she became a Program Director at Project H.O.M.E. where she exhibited tremendous love and compassion for the homeless women and men she served.Sr. Betty’s gift of hospitality and love for the shore were evident in her tour of duty as the Facility Coordinator at the Sisters of Mercy vacation house in Sea Isle City, NJ.In her later years, Sr. Betty ministered as a physical therapy volunteer at McAuley Convent in Merion and more recently served her sister at the Convent of Mercy as a generous and gracious community member sharing her talents of music, creativity, involvement with justice issues, and supporting her sisters in so may ways.The final ministry asked of Betty was to witness how to die with grace and gratitude which she did with exquisite sensitivity to others. For several weeks prior to her death, Sir Betty spend her days reminiscing, laughing, singing and sharing her love with all who held her so dear. As her strength lessened she maintained a beautiful sense of presence wit her family and friends who remained at her side faithfully. Sr. Betty will be deeply missed by her friends and family and especially the sisters at the Convent of Mercy and McAuley Convent.Relatives and friends are invited to a Viewing Saturday, August 19, 9:30 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM in the Chapel at the Convent of Mercy, 515 Montgomery Ave., Merion Station, PA 19066.Burial will be in the Community Cemetery. Contributions in Sister’s memory may be sent to the Sisters of Mercy Mid-AtlanticCommunity at the above address.