Joan Linda Powers

Joan Linda Powers of Trenton, Michigan passed away unexpectedly in her home on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at the age of 81. Beloved mother of Eric (Aimee Hischke) Powers, Amy (Roland) Marque, and Jennifer (Keith) Peterson. Cherished grandmother of Kylie, Courtney, Brooke, Sophia, Lucas, Ashley (Anthony Swanson), and Zoe. Joan was preceded in death by her mother Anna Bennett and her brother Michael Bennett, III.

Joan was an educator who touched many lives throughout her teaching career starting at Seitz Jr. High in Riverview for five years after graduation. During these five years, she earned an M.A. from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor in Guidance and Counseling. She taught at Aquinas High School in Southgate from 1979 -1986. While she was teaching at Aquinas High School, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree with honors from Madonna University. In September 1986, Joan started teaching Math and English at Carlson High School in Gibraltar. Also, throughout these years, she worked tirelessly at Hudson’s, then Marshall Fields, and finally Macy’s. In September of 2000, she moved to the counseling department and retired in June 2003.

During her retirement Joan enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow, bragging about her children’s achievements and success, and sharing her baked goods with others; especially her Texas sheet cake, her sour cream coffee cake, and Hungarian kiflis. She could often be found playing cards with friends, or crocheting and knitting. She was also known as the “Puzzle Queen”. She loved traveling; her trips included Paris, Hilton Head, Hawaii, Aruba, Australia, New Zealand, the U.P., and Cape Cod. She loved spending time with friends and family at the family cottage that has been in the family for almost 50 years. Joan was a dedicated parishioner and volunteer of St. Timothy Catholic Church and active with the Senior Club of Trenton.

Joan was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching her grandchildren participate in their respective leagues, including swimming, soccer, softball, and volleyball. She loved watching her hometown Detroit teams and her Alma mater, the Michigan Wolverines. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Visitation for Joan will take place on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Trenton Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes located at 3200 West Road, 48183. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home the following day Sunday, February 25, 2024, at St. Timothy Catholic Church located at 2901 Manning St., Trenton, MI 48183. In State at 11:00 a.m. Mass to begin at 11:30 a.m. Guests are welcome to join the funeral procession to Our Lady of Hope, which is to begin from the funeral home on Monday, February 26, 2024 at 10:15 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Joan’s honor.

Please visit Joan’s online guestbook to share memories and leave condolences for her family.