Obituary of Caroline “Bonnie” Powell

It is with heavy hearts the family of Caroline “Bonnie” Powell announce her peaceful passing on September 7th at the age of 83.

Bonnie was the devoted mother of three children and proud grandmother to seven beloved grandchildren, all of whom were the center of her world. She found immense joy being a mother and grandmother. Bonnie is survived by her husband Verne Powell of Duxbury, son Scott and Barbara Powell of Sandwich, N.H., daughter Sarah and Mark Keating of Duxbury and son Alan Powell of Hanover. In addition to her cherished grandchildren, she leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.

Born in Brookline to a large and loving Irish Catholic family Bonnie grew up as one of ten siblings, a tight knit bond that shaped her lifelong commitment to family and friends. She spent her early years living in Brookline. Graduating from St Mary’s High School she went on to work at Star Market where she met Verne. They married in September 1962 and a few months later moved to Fontainebleau, France where Verne served as a U.S. Army officer. Their oldest son was born in France in 1964. After several years on the continent, they returned to the States, settled in Natick and had two more children. A position with Shaw’s supermarkets brought them south to their forever home in Duxbury in 1978.

Bonnie loved everything about Duxbury and was blessed with many lifelong friends from the Newcomers club, the Massachusetts Food Association, Pilgrim Tennis club and the Duxbury Yacht Club. Her sense of giving extended far beyond her own family. As a dedicated volunteer she gave countless hours to her community through PTA, sports boosters and Holy Family Church. In her leisure time she enjoyed tennis, golf, gardening and watching hockey. A lifelong Boston Bruins and Bobby Orr fan one of her most special memories was hosting Bobby Orr at her home for the Duxbury High School Hockey team end of season party. She was a skilled knitter and crafter. Often creating thoughtful handmade gifts that brought warmth to her family and friends. Staying active in retirement she enjoyed travel throughout Europe and many winters on Sanibel Island, Florida.

Her legacy is one of kindness, generosity and a deep devotion to family. Her love will live on in the hearts of those she touched, and she will be missed greatly by all who loved her. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the love of her family and the grace of her faith.

Visitation will be held at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 216 Main St. Kingston, MA on Thursday, September 12th from 4:00-7:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, September 13that 10:00 am at Holy Family Church, 601 Tremont StreetDuxbury. Burial will follow at the Mayflower Cemetery in Duxbury.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute at danafarber.jimmyfund.org or the Brigham and Womens Hospital Cardiac Center at giving.brighamandwomens.org.