Irene Powell died gracefully in her home on Friday, December 9th, 2011 just before 8 a.m. Irene looked on death as this life’s final gift, having lived ninety-nine years in gratitude and service. As prepared as anyone could be, Irene spent months working with her granddaughter on Last Words to be read at her funeral. Irene also took the opportunity to contact various family and friends, asking their participation in the funeral service she was readying for herself.

Butterflies became the theme of Irene's service. It had been Irene's practice for several years to offer handmade butterflies to those experiencing loss as a tangible reminder of those they had lost. She would include the sentiment, “What the caterpillar calls the end, the butterfly knows is the beginning.” Those words graced the cover of Irene's funeral program, along with a corresponding hand-drawn picture. Irene's last week was calm and peaceful; her work was finished. Family and caregivers joined in the restful atmosphere, sitting by her side crafting handmade butterflies to be shared at her funeral.

Born on September 8th, 1912, Irene enjoyed a long and satisfying life, forming connections that spanned generations and state lines. Family and friends, from nearby and from out-of-state, gathered in remembrance of Irene the weekend of December 16th. The countless contributions Irene made and the relationships she cultivated offered those gathered much to recall and celebrate during a family visitation and wake on Friday, and a celebration of life service, burial and reception on Saturday. Various photographs and original writings were on display.

Guests enjoyed special music throughout the events: quiet harp and guitar music during the evening visitation gave way to the piano and organ that accompanied nieces and nephews in musical offerings during the celebration service.

Irene's spirit was recalled as those gathered shared stories, memories and anecdotes. During the service the officiate described Irene as a “seeker of truth” and praised her for her beautiful mind. Irene focused on matters of significance: “her mind was not cluttered with things that were not true...she was free from the unnecessary things of life... Her body was in bed but her mind traveling far.”

An excerpt from her writings, A Matter Of Perspective was shared as a final thought: “fragments of truth are precious where ever and whenever they are found, quite literally the pearls of great prize, when we find enough of them, they may fit together like a mosaic to expand our own wonder and awe the already one God who will welcome us home whatever we call him and by whatever pathway we have traveled.”

In her Last Words, Irene closed, “Thank you for affirming what has been, now please go and celebrate what is to come.”

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devin powell holds a photograph of Irene Powell at the Powell residence while preparing photos for the visitation and funeral service. December 16, 2011.