Dorothy Powell

Dorothy ""Dottie"" Mae Powell was born on November 12, 1924 to Gustav and Alice (Dougherty) Williamson in Denver, Colorado. Dottie was raised in Colorado along with her older brother, Richard Williamson. Upon graduating from St. Francis de Sales high school and turning 18, Dottie and her good friend, Dottie Smith set out for adventure in California. Together they moved into a Catholic rooming house and Dottie worked in support of the war effort, with the Civil Service. After the passing of her father brought Dottie back to Colorado, she married Bernard Powell, a fellow St. Francis de Sales graduate. Together they had eight children, two of whom were lost at birth. The other six children, Michael, Daniel, Jane, Timothy, Mary, and Joseph, we're all raised, like their parents, in Colorado. Dottie held several jobs during her working life. She helped to run a cleaners, enlisting many of her children into service at the very same location during their teenage years. Later, Dottie went on to work for and ultimately retire from the State of Colorado, where she was an administrator in the Titles Division of the Department of Motor Vehicles. Dottie and Barney spent as much time as they possibly could with family and friends. Their house usually functioned as the neighborhood gathering place for parties and merriment. Children were ever present, their own and neighborhood children, as well as friends and family members who often were given a place to stay when in need. When not at home, Dottie and Barney spent much of their time at their cabin in Deckers, where friends and family would gather to play card games, marbles, or horse shoes for hours or partake in ATV rides through the woods. After their children were grown and had families of their own, Dottie and Barney moved from their home in Denver to Mesa, Arizona in hopes that the climate would help Barney's health. They lived there together for several wonderful years. In January 1991, Barney passed away and Dottie continued living on her own in their mobile home. While there, Dottie continued to be the life of the party, organizing day trips to the casinos, participating in water aerobics, playing pinochle daily, and having her hair washed and set every Friday. Dottie's eldest son, Mike, eventually came to live with her, with the intention of taking care of her as only a child can. Unfortunately, that plan unraveled with the unexpected passing of Mike shortly after he moved to Arizona. With this loss still fresh, Dottie moved back to Colorado and into an assisted living apartment. After suffering a fall and broken femur, which required surgery, Dottie succumbed to pneumonia on December 27, 2015. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by many of her children and grandchildren. Throughout her life, Dottie always welcomed the good times and steadfastly endured the hard times. She will always be remembered by her loved ones for her amazing character and unflagging strength. Dottie has gone to rest with her parents; brother; husband, Barney Powell; son, James Edward; daughter, Theresa Louise; son, Michael Powell; and grandson, Michael Simpson. She is survived by daughters, Jane Simpson (and husband, Jerold Simpson) and Mary Sabbagh; and sons Daniel Powell (and wife, Katherine Powell), Timothy Powell (and wife, Delpha Powell), and Joseph Powell (and wife, Melissa Van Vorst). Also her grandchildren; Jeff Powell, Adam Powell, Shawn Powell, Kelley Simpson, Alan Powell, Lisa Powell, Nicole Dewberry, Kyra Cockwell, Irene Powell, Savannah Powell, Michelle Sabbagh and 13 great grandchildren. Please share memories of Dottie and condolences with the family by signing the guestbook below.