POWERS, ANITA JEAN (TEMPLE), age 99, graduated to eternal life on April 20, 2023, after a long, fruitful and happy life.
Born in Green Bay, WI, April 14, 1924, to Jean (Pickard) Temple and J. Emory Temple, she grew up in Allouez, WI, and attended Allouez school from kindergarten through 10th grade. Anita graduated from West High School with the class of 1942, followed by attending freshman classes at University of Wisconsin Extension held at the "new" Washington Jr HS in Green Bay, then went to work at the Kellogg Public Library.
In November, 1944, Anita enlisted in the Navy WAVES program. After boot camp at Hunter College in the Bronx, she was stationed at Norfolk, VA, where she worked in the 5th Naval District passenger transportation office. After her discharge on May 1946, she came home to marry her high school sweet heart, Robert J. "Bob" Powers, also from Green Bay.
Bob and Anita raised 4 children, and were also a foster home for over 19 years, caring for many infants and toddlers, and later, many troubled teens. Anita was a "traditional" stay-at-home Mom, developing skills in sewing, bread-making and knitting. She also volunteered at Cathedral School and Church. Anita and Bob took classes in furniture refinishing, which she continued for over 20 years, doing many pieces for family and friends. Anita was a life-long learner and voracious reader, and combined this with her love of travel with the Road Scholar programs, (formerly Elderhostel), having the time of her life on over 50 world-wide travel excursions.
Anita is survived by 3 children: Brian Powers, Jeanne Powers (Barry) Walton and Kevin Powers and foster daughter, Laurie Kurowski. Anita enjoyed 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Anita was preceded in death by a daughter, Kathleen "Kitty Ann" (David) Baierl.
Visitation will be at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral (140 S. Monroe Ave, Green Bay), Friday, April 28, 2023 from 9 to 11 AM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 AM with Fr. Brian Belongia, celebrant and full military honors.
The family wishes to thank St. Vincent Hospital and Unity Hospice for their exemplary care. Anita passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by immediate family.