Janet S. Powell

In Loving Memory of Janet S. Powell

It is with deep sorrow and enduring love that we announce the passing of Janet S. Powell, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who left us peacefully at the age of 87.

Janet was born in 1938, the fourth of five children, to a loving family in Columbus, IN. Spooky the cat joined the family, much to her parents’ chagrin, by sneaking through Janet’s bedroom window for nightly supper. Once formally accepted into the family, Spooky enjoyed the privilege of getting dressed in baby clothes and being pushed in a carriage on a regular basis. Having honed her skills nurturing others, Janet became a hygienist serving the dental needs of the greater Columbus area. She earned enough to support herself, securing a small apartment in her early twenties with 3 roommates with whom she shared 2 twin beds - head to foot. Not long after, Janet met Joseph W. Powell, a budding IBM executive, while on a trip with friends to Cincinnati. It was love at first sight for both. After a short-but-sweet courtship, they could wait no longer and married May 6, 1961. Many moves and 3 children later, they settled in Terrace Park, OH in 1975, adding their fourth child to the family in 1977. Janet built her life here, growing a large network of friends, family and memories.

Janet worked part time while raising her children and supporting her husband’s demanding career. She maintained her home, mended scraped knees and provided a healthy dinner every night. She disciplined gently and navigated familial challenges with grace. She rarely took time to pursue her own interests, but she was able to cultivate her love of gardening. An active member of the Terrace Park Garden Club, she relished the feel of the dirt in her hands and the sweet smell of her roses in bloom (her favorite flower). She somehow still found time for charity, donating many hours of support to the National T. T. T. Society for young girls.

Over time, her children left the nest, marking a transition to her golden years. The arrival of her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her immense joy during this time; each one a unique and beautiful combination of her best traits. She also cultivated a loving and wonderful group of friends who she met with often through bridge groups, book clubs, and social outings. These friends became her biggest support system as she navigated many setbacks and losses throughout her later years. She was extremely grateful for and loved each one of them. When Janet wasn’t with her human friends, she always had furry friends by her side. Many beloved dogs and cats joined and left the Powell family, each one marked with a life-sized portrait so that they may never be forgotten. As time went on, and the physical rigors of gardening fell out of reach, Janet focused her creative energy on painting. Her realism work is a gift to her family and lives on as a representation of beauty seen through her eyes.

Janet is preceded in death by her parents Freda and Paul Conlin; her siblings Jean (Dale) Rust, Edward (Ardeth), Thomas and Judy; her husband, Joseph; and sons Joseph and Jason. She is survived by her daughters, Judith Lehman of Terrace Park and Jennifer (Matthew) Pugliese of Augusta, GA; daughters-in-law, Angela Powell of Independence, KY and Debbie Powell of Anderson, OH. Also surviving are her 8 grandchildren: Christian (Charli) Lehman of Powell, OH, Hunter (Ashley) Powell of Louisville, KY, Grace Lehman of Denver, CO, Logan (Liz) Powell of San Francisco, CA, Lauren Powell of Independence, KY, Liliana Pugliese of Augusta, GA, Luca Pugliese of Augusta, GA and Leo Pugliese of Augusta, GA and 3 great grandchildren. Also surviving is her brother-in-law, Alan Powell of Cincinnati, OH, many nieces, nephews and cousins, and her beloved kitty, Boo.

Janet was a pillar of strength, kindness, and wisdom. She dedicated herself to her family, nurturing generations with unwavering love and warmth. Her gentle spirit and generous heart touched everyone who had the privilege to know her. Our hearts are heavy, but we find comfort knowing her love lives on in the many lives she touched. Rest in peace, dear Nana.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, July 26, from 2:00 to 3:30 PM, with a spoken memorial at 3:30 PM at Evans Funeral Home, 741 Center Street, Milford, OH. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ASPCA.org or StJude.org, both charities chosen by Janet.