BLOOMINGTON – Catherine Mary (Katie) Power, 89, passed peacefully into Heaven on Saturday, May 11 surrounded by her loving family. Catherine Mary Payne was born February 7, 1930 to Charles H. and Gertrude (Scurrah) Payne in Bloomington IL.
Katie spent her early years helping in her parent’s grocery store on the city’s west side. Following graduation from BHS and during her year at Illinois Wesleyan, a chance meeting with a young man from Chenoa led to a lifelong romance. On May 14, 1949, Katie married the love of her life, Jim Power and continued a beautiful marriage that would last 65 years. Katie and Jim created a loving family of eight children and established their home on Warren Street in Chenoa. Situated across from the grade school and city park, it was truly the Grand Central Station and a fun-filled welcome center for all friends, family and neighborhood children.
Katie was a selfless and beautiful lady of strong faith, with a life commitment to raising and caring for her family and their families. Katie’s devotion to her children’s upbringing included instilling a sense of love, faith, respect, kindness, sharing, creativity and every ‘good night’, call or visit ended with ‘I Love You’. Katie’s humble and forgiving nature, her love of song and sense of humor were also ingrained in her family and those fortunate to know her. Having celebrated 65 years of marriage with Jim, we are comforted they are reunited to celebrate their 70th anniversary this week.
Katie is survived by her children: Patricia (Marshall) Johnson, Pontiac, Chuck (Lori) Power, Fairbury, Mary (Leo) Nachreiner, Sauk City, WI, John (Marty) Power, Bloomington, Jim (Lori) Power, Madison, WI, Mike (Sandra) Power, Chenoa; one brother, Charles M (Lina) Payne, Bloomington, brother-in-law, Tom (Pat) Power, AZ; 16 Grandchildren: Derrick Bowen, Christina (Ryan) Clark, Tricia (Jeff) Minor, Nicole (Seth) Teigen, Whitney (Josh) Logemann, Katie (Brian) Dunn, Kayla (Derrick) Raney, Kelsey (Justin) Breen, Terri (Jeremy) Harris, Dan (Jessica) Power, Andy Power, Jacob Power, Grant Power, Jenna (Justin) Schroen, Chelsea (Brad) Dohman, Thomas Plumb and 22 great grandchildren and many nieces/nephews. Katie was preceded in death by her husband Jim; a daughter Therese Power Bowen; son and daughter-in-law Douglas Power and Jennifer Plumb; and granddaughter Kelly Nachreiner.
A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 PM Tuesday, May 14 at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Chenoa, IL and 9 to 10 AM on Wednesday prior to the service at the Church. Funeral services will be held at 10AM on Wednesday, May 15 at St Joseph’s Catholic Church with Father Carl LoPresti officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Chenoa. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home in Chenoa is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged to be made to the Chenoa Public Library.
Online condolences may be made at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.
