Donna Marie Powers

Donna Marie Powers, 75, of Stoneham, MA, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, shortly after a wonderful visit with family.

After bravely overcoming cancer, Donna had been enjoying six years in remission. Her passing was sudden but also peaceful.

She is survived by her son, Chris Powers, his wife, Kate; her grandchildren, Louisa Powers and Hazel Powers; her siblings, Lisa Wilke, Patrick Shay and Paula Wallace; and her beloved mother, Adelaide (Lil) Shay, who is 99 years old. Donna and her mother resided together at The Arbors for the past four years, where Donna lovingly helped guide her mother to laugh and remember the joys of life.

Donna grew up in Saugus, Massachusetts. She attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, earning a bachelor’s degree in Education and a master’s degree in Nutrition. She was deeply passionate about teaching and spent many years educating students in Massachusetts. Later, she moved to Washington State, where she taught fourth grade in public schools for 15 years.

She had a love for good food, whether it was an Italian meal in Boston’s North End, a holiday meal, or a simple sub. Ahead of her time, Donna was fervent about shopping at local health food stores and encouraging others to eat Whole Foods, long before it became a store. She also embraced New Age spirituality well before it became widely popular.

Donna was a devoted and cherished “Nana” to her two grandchildren, ages 7 and 9, who brought her immense joy. She loved finding great bargains, reading, journaling, and forming meaningful friendships in her community and at senior centers. She especially enjoyed time spent on Cape Cod, as well as visiting her closest friends.

In accordance with her wishes, Donna will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168, or online at dana-farber.org/gift, or to a charity of one’s choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Donna’s honor at Kitty’s Restaurant & Lounge, 123 Main Street, North Reading, MA, On April 24th from 12:00–3:00 PM. Kindly RSVP to Lisa Wilke at 781-315-3354.