Mary Frances Brugman Powell died peacefully at home on May 10, 2007 at the age of 89 with her wit and humor intact.

Born in Minot, N.D. on Nov. 12, 1917, she was the fourth of Elizabeth and John Brugman’s five children.

Mary spent most of her childhood and teen years in Hinsdale, Ill., and always remembered the nursery school she ran there as a young adult. During World War II, she left the cold winters of Chicago for sunny southern California and then joined her sister Betty working for Kaiser Shipyards in Portland.

In 1943, she was featured in an article in Charm magazine about glamorous women working for the war effort.

After the war ended, she moved to Portland, Ore., where she met and married W. Evans Powell.

Mary raised six daughters, saying it was “the best thing she ever did.” As a single mother she returned to work in 1971 as the art history secretary at the University of Oregon, where her students became her extended family.

Mary was a tireless and fearless advocate for the developmentally disabled and served on the governor’s advisory council for several years. After retiring in 1982, she remained in the Eugene area and was an avid gardener, reader and artist until declining health necessitated her move closer to family on Whidbey Island in 2003.

Mary remained a critical thinker interested in art, culture and science until her death at The Whidbey House, surrounded by staff and residents with whom she had become close friends. Mary is survived by her daughters Beth, Sue, Merry, Julie, Pat and Jan; her brother Frank and sisters-in-law Betty and Marge; grandchildren Chris, Robin, Matt, Becky, Kara and Saya; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her infant son Michael, brothers Barry and Jack, sister Betty, and beloved dog Tiger.

A funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 19 at St. Hubert’s Catholic Church in Langley.

In honor of her proud ancestry and sense of fun, Mary’s life will be celebrated with an Irish wake at a family reunion this summer. In Mary’s memory, please plant some flowers, read a book, hike to a special place, or donate to your favorite charity.