AUBURN – Mary Ann Powers, 84, passed away after a brief illness on Dec. 18, at the Hospice House with her loving family by her side.

She was born in Ennis, Texas, on Aug. 24, 1922, a daughter of the late John V. and Ellender (Boren) Gilmore.

She was educated in Texas and graduated from the Oklahoma State College for Women.

She was one of the founders of what is now known as Chester College of New England, formerly known as White Pines College, where she served in several positions for many years.

Mary Ann was civic minded and did volunteer work for many educational and social organizations. She enjoyed outside activities such as gardening, snowmobiling and open sports cars.

She enjoyed traveling as she and her husband lived in many of our United States and overseas while he served our country.

She enjoyed entertaining guests and was well-known for her fine cooking and Southern hospitality.

After retirement, they took many long trips in their motor home and visited nearly every state in this country and many of the provinces of Canada. They also toured extensively in Europe and the British Isles.

She was very compassionate, open-hearted and dedicated to her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mary Ann is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, John B.”Jack” Powers, whom she married on Nov. 14, 1941, in Corpus Christi, Texas; her daughters, Nancy E. of Augusta and Ann B. of Farmington, N.H.; her four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents; a sister, Ruby; and a brother, Richmond.

Mary Ann’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff at Central Maine Medical Center, especially the CCU and T1 Units, as well as the Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice for the exceptional compassion and care shown to Mary Ann and her family.