Obituary

Celia Mullen Powers passed away April 8, 2008. She was the much loved wife of the late Robert Edward Powers who preceded her in death 32 years ago this month. Celia was the sister of the late Helen Tibbetts, Thomas Mullen, and Patsy Langan.

Celia was born and bred in Charlestown, the second daughter of Grace Doherty and Thomas Mullen. A first generation Irish-American and a child of the Depression years, Celia lost her father when she was very young. Raised in poverty by her widowed mother Celia told many Dickensian-like stories to her horrified children. These experiences molded and shaped Celia to help her become a strong, formidable, and proud woman.

Poverty required Celia to work at a very young age. It was while cleaning apartments on Ferrin Street that Celia met her future husband Robert "Pipes" Powers. She was 15 he 18. Pipes liked to say that Celia's beautiful gleaming red hair caught his attention. Their life-long romance began when he assisted with her chores.

World War II began. Pipes went off to war as a paratrooper and Celia worked in the Navy Yard with her girlfriends Joanie and Anna. In 1945 Pipes returned as a war hero with a Purple Heart to marry his beloved Celia. Ten months later their first of ten children was born. Raising ten children in the fifties, sixties, and seventies was not for the fainthearted. Celia and Pipes worked very hard to feed, clothe, and educate their children. Celia was a fabulous cook and the whole family sat down to a big meal each and every night. Her house was always immaculate, her children well shod and clothed.

In addition to mothering ten children Celia decided to begin a career in her early forties. Employing the skills honed from a life of organizing a household of ten children Celia could have run a corporation. After retiring from the City of Boston, Celia began another career with the Boston Conventions and Tours Bureau. She loved providing information about her beloved Boston to tourists from all over the world and only retired from this position because of ill health.

Despite ill health Celia's last years were spent traveling and enjoying her family. Several visits to Ireland, a memorable trip to Tasmania to visit her daughter Robin's family, numerous jaunts to Florida, and a Disney Cruise with her grandchildren and great grandchildren filled Celia's later years with joy and satisfaction. Indeed, she amazed us all by embarking on a road trip to South Carolina and Florida not three weeks ago to see her grandchildren and a brand new great granddaughter.

This indomitable spirit was a hallmark of Celia's life. Whatever needed to be done Celia rose to the occasion. She was an inspiration to her children and her friends. Her friends relied on Celia to drive them to church, bingo, and shopping. Until recently Celia was able to do this with her typical generosity of spirit. We will miss her.

Her children mourn her passing. Sheila, Carol, Robin, William, Susan, Ann, Robert, Paul and Denise are proud to have been raised by this special woman. Celia's adored older son Thomas passed away suddenly five years ago and Celia never stopped missing him.

Celia's grandchildren Bridget, Deirdre, Janet, Momo, Alexis, Maki, Seth, Nicole, Shea, Devin, Kyle, Kevin, Celia, Teague, Quinn, Hannah, and Patrick adored her. Celia never missed an occasion to send a gift or a card (often with a few dollars tucked inside).

Celia's great grandchildren Stephen, Riley, Caity, Lila, Fiona, Anabel and brand new little Ava will cherish the too brief years they have had with her. Celia had a particular special affection for her dear grandson Connor who passed away five years ago at the tender age of seven.

Celia leaves also her much loved best friend from childhood Anna Brennan Carey. Celia and Anna had many adventures, raised their families together, and have been inseparable all these years. The Powers family can never express their gratitude enough to Anna for her steadfast love and friendship to their mother.

Celia's Funeral will be held from the Frank H. Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill Street, Charlestown, on Saturday, April 12, 2008 at 9 a.m. followed by her Funeral Mass at St. Francis de Sasles Church at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours for Celia will be held on Friday, April 11, 2008, from 4 - 8 p.m. Interment will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett, MA.

In lieu of flowers kindly make memorial donations in Celia's name to the Charlestown Boys and Girls Club, 15 Green Street, Charlestown, MA 02129.