Think Globally, Act Locally :  Our wonderful Mother, Grandmother, Wife and Friend Marjorie Powell peacefully passed away at home on January 9, 2021 at the age of 87.

Marjorie, known by many as Marge, was born on May 15, 1933 to Margaret (Cribbs) and Thomas Curtis in Jefferson City Missouri.  Marjorie excelled through primary school where she initiated her commitment to community participation and leadership that would be the hallmark of her life.  She was particularly proud and fond of her many Girl Scout experiences and accomplishments, maintaining some of those friendships throughout her life.  Marjorie graduated from the University of Missouri in 1955 and was married to John Powell in 1957.  They arrived in Michigan in 1960 and to Dearborn in 1964 with their two children Curtis (b. 1959) and Constance (b. 1962).

As their children grew, Marge became very active in the community, notably in the PTA at the children's Lindberg elementary school, and culminating in her Presidency of the Dearborn PTA council.  Much of the family's leisure time was spent at the family Cottage on Long Lake in Hillsdale County where some of their most cherished friendships were grown.  Marge and John lost their daughter Connie in 1974, and after a period of grieving, Marge resumed her community service with renewed energy.  In 1977, Marge was elected as the first woman Dearborn City Council President, serving two exceptional terms in this role.  Following this, Marge joined the Dearborn Public Schools in Adult and Community Education.

Marge's life was filled with public Service achievements and she received many honors and awards.  Examples include life-long commitments to the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the Philanthropic Education Organization (PEO), as well as serving on many commissions and committees such as the University of Michigan – Dearborn Citizen Advisory Council, the Dearborn Civil Service Commission and as one of the first woman members of Dearborn Rotary beginning in 1988.  A wonderful legacy already in place is the Marge Powell AAUW Leadership Award given each year to Dearborn graduating seniors to "recognize and encourage young women/men who have demonstrated leadership potential in the high school and/or community setting."

Marge is the loving mother Curt. Dear grandmother of Rachel, Tori and Kal and proud great grandmother of Benjamin, Adam and Audrey. She is survived by her dear brother, Tom Curtis.

A special thanks to Kal's Mom Gillian McClinsey for bringing Marge happiness and love every day of her final months.

She is much loved by many who knew her.  Arrangements are being made through Howe-Peterson Funeral Home in Dearborn.

Visitation on Friday, January 15, 1-8pm at the Dearborn Chapel of Howe-Peterson Funeral Home. Private family service will be held on Saturday, January 16, at 11am.

To view the service on YouTube, please click the link below:
The Funeral Service of Marjorie Powell - YouTube

Memorials in Marge's name can be made to:

AAUW Dearborn Branch

Marge Powell Leadership Award

P.O. Box 2498

Dearborn, MI 48123

Please sign the guestbook below the service information if you are unable to attend the visitation in person.