Helen Jeanette Powell
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Helen Jeanette (Schudt) Powell, 82, died Tuesday at Francis House, in Syracuse, after a valiant effort to survive cancer. Her brilliant spirit and positive outlook on life were true inspirations to anyone who knew her.
Jeanette was born November 12, 1937, in Milwaukee, WI, to Harold and Julia Ebelt Schudt. She earned a B.A. from McGill University and M.A. from Canisuis College. She began a career of service in Erie County with a chaplaincy as a staff counselor at Buffalo Children’s Hospital and then developed an adult daycare and ambulatory program at Brothers of Mercy, in Clarence, NY. This was followed by work at Monroe Community Hospital and Genesee County DDSO. She continued on in Dutchess County DDSO, as director for MR/DDSO. She ultimately earned the position of Executive Director of the Onondaga Pastoral Counseling Center in Syracuse, where she was also a devoted and proud member of Congregation Beth Sholom Chevra Shas. The congregation came to represent a steadfast and integral part of her family.
Jeanette was passionately concerned about the current state of the world. Acting locally and thinking globally was reflected by her participation in groups like Women Transcending Boundaries and the local Rahma Clinic. Acts of service and civic participation (as safely able), or supporting those on the front lines of inclusive change, would be great honors to her memory.
Jeanette was the proud mother of Leslie (David) Shaw, Fred, Katie and predeceased by Donna (Richard Heiser); grandmother of Alice, Emma, Mary, Francis, Fred (Brittany), Jeanette and Leanna, and delighted great-grandmother of Lucas, Everly, Inara, Enzo and Emilia. She is predeceased by her sister, Judith Theresa, and was the proud aunt of Julie and Richard Theresa; proud great-aunt of Daniel and Austin.
The family is grateful for the tender and loving end-of-life care provided by Hospice CNY & FLX, the Zen Center of Syracuse and Francis House.
Graveside services will be limited to the immediate family; however, everyone is welcome to virtually attend her service on a live stream beginning at 11:55AM on Friday, September 25 on the Sisskind Funeral Service Facebook page
Contributions in her memory may be made to Congregation Beth Sholom Chevra Shas, Hospice CNY and FLX, Zen Center of Syracuse, the Rahma Climic, or Francis House.
www.sisskindfuneralservice.com.
Message of Sympathy
Post a Message of Sympathy
I was fortunate to meet Jeanette when I volunteered with Women Transcending Boundaries. Jeanette was always so kind and always made a point to speak with you. She was someone that people naturally gravitated to. I am so sorry for your loss, and will hold you all in prayer.
Written by Luann Healy
2020-09-23 10:05:20 PM
My sincere condolences and sympathy to Leslie, Fred, Katie, Mary, Alice, Emma, Mary, Francis, Fred, Jeanette and the entire extended Powell/Shaw families. Aunt Jeanette is one of the most compassionate, loving and kind people I have ever met and she will be missed. Peace and Love, Richard
Written by Richard Teresa
2020-09-23 2:47:26 PM
Jeanette was my aunt. She was a beautiful person. She was smart, wise and caring and an advocate for peoples rights. Sending much love and support to her amazing kids and grand children. We love you all! Aunt Jeanette I love you and will miss you so much!
Written by Julie Cotter Gibbons
2020-09-23 3:19:50 PM
Jeannette was a light In WTB. She will be missed. My deepest condolences to her family.
Written by Judy Antoine
2020-09-23 6:53:06 PM
I wish peace to Jeannette’s family who she loved so dearly. She was a source of great solace to me after my husband Jim died. We talked often about the transition our souls make after our work in this life is done. Jeannette was an original member of Women Transcending Boundaries since 2001. She served on the Council and generously contributed her time working on WTB committees and projects “to repair the world” locally and internationally for almost 20 years. She frequently hosted the WTB book club, valuing all opinions and contributing thoughtfully. Jeannette welcomed everyone with an open heart and mind with a smile that lit up the room. WTB women are blessed to have had the privilege of experiencing Jeannette’s wisdom, compassion and love. She will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
Written by Betsy Wiggins
2020-09-23 7:29:27 PM
Deepest condolences to the friends and family she left behind—the large number of them is a testament to how many lives she’s touched and shaped. Sending you all my best wishes in this difficult but also beautifully reflective time of reminiscing and honouring Jeanette. I only had the pleasure of knowing her briefly, but she continues to live on in all of you and so her light continues on this earth.
Written by Sunny Chan
2020-09-23 8:11:05 PM
My deepest sympathies… Jeanette was a wonderful woman, and inspiration to all who knew her. She was deeply loved, and will be missed by all.
Written by Bonnie Shoultz
2020-09-25 12:18:10 PM
I want to express my sincere condolences to Jeanette's family. I visited her when it was still possible, and then we shared the occasional email or phone call. She loved showing me pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her face positively lit up when she spoke of them! Jeanette and I shared a love for writing d'vrei Torah -- commentary and teaching on the weekly parsha. I was honored when she requested that I deliver one of hers when she could not do it herself. She was truly "a woman of valor." May you find comfort in your memories of her.
Written by Judy Stanton
2020-09-25 4:51:22 PM
My friendship with Jeanette began in September of 2003, when we shared in a women’s Intro to Zen weekend that was held at DBZ Monastery in the Catskills. In the years that followed, we shared many conversations over tea, lunches, and e-mail. I treasure my friendship with this amazing woman- her grace, intelligence, curiosity, compassion, and persistence are an inspiration. I know the lives of her loving family will continued to be enriched by her legacy of love, and that all she touched will continue to be inspired.
Written by Lauren Melnikow
2020-09-26 6:43:41 PM
Jeanette was a neighbor of mine on Pickthorn Drive in Batavia. Years after I had moved to Poughkeepsie, she, one day walked into a DDSO meeting I was attending. I had no idea she had moved to Poughkeepsie and that I would be working with her on issues to assist individuals who are challenged with developmental disabilities. She was such a bright, inspirational, and upbeat person. What a great smile! She was also a wonderful cook and had my husband and I over a number of times for delicious brunches. Thank you, Jeanette, for being the caring and giving person you were. You made the world a better place.
Written by Jean Weinel (Harrington)
2020-10-08 5:53:20 PM
My deepest condolences to the family. Mrs. Powell was a great neighbor of mine , I live across the street and we became friends from a distance. My grandchildren had a closer relationship with her. My granddaughter would help her in her home and my grandson would cut her lawn. She and I also were facebook friends. I look out my window and always think of her. May God bless her family and continue to embrace in her memories. An angel who has gain her wings
Written by Patricia Ligon
2020-10-15 11:12:28 PM
Post a Message of Sympathy
I was fortunate to meet Jeanette when I volunteered with Women Transcending Boundaries. Jeanette was always so kind and always made a point to speak with you. She was someone that people naturally gravitated to. I am so sorry for your loss, and will hold you all in prayer.
Written by Luann Healy
2020-09-23 10:05:20 PM
My sincere condolences and sympathy to Leslie, Fred, Katie, Mary, Alice, Emma, Mary, Francis, Fred, Jeanette and the entire extended Powell/Shaw families. Aunt Jeanette is one of the most compassionate, loving and kind people I have ever met and she will be missed. Peace and Love, Richard
Written by Richard Teresa
2020-09-23 2:47:26 PM
Jeanette was my aunt. She was a beautiful person. She was smart, wise and caring and an advocate for peoples rights. Sending much love and support to her amazing kids and grand children. We love you all! Aunt Jeanette I love you and will miss you so much!
Written by Julie Cotter Gibbons
2020-09-23 3:19:50 PM
Jeannette was a light In WTB. She will be missed. My deepest condolences to her family.
Written by Judy Antoine
2020-09-23 6:53:06 PM
I wish peace to Jeannette’s family who she loved so dearly. She was a source of great solace to me after my husband Jim died. We talked often about the transition our souls make after our work in this life is done. Jeannette was an original member of Women Transcending Boundaries since 2001. She served on the Council and generously contributed her time working on WTB committees and projects “to repair the world” locally and internationally for almost 20 years. She frequently hosted the WTB book club, valuing all opinions and contributing thoughtfully. Jeannette welcomed everyone with an open heart and mind with a smile that lit up the room. WTB women are blessed to have had the privilege of experiencing Jeannette’s wisdom, compassion and love. She will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
Written by Betsy Wiggins
2020-09-23 7:29:27 PM
Deepest condolences to the friends and family she left behind—the large number of them is a testament to how many lives she’s touched and shaped. Sending you all my best wishes in this difficult but also beautifully reflective time of reminiscing and honouring Jeanette. I only had the pleasure of knowing her briefly, but she continues to live on in all of you and so her light continues on this earth.
Written by Sunny Chan
2020-09-23 8:11:05 PM
My deepest sympathies… Jeanette was a wonderful woman, and inspiration to all who knew her. She was deeply loved, and will be missed by all.
Written by Bonnie Shoultz
2020-09-25 12:18:10 PM
I want to express my sincere condolences to Jeanette's family. I visited her when it was still possible, and then we shared the occasional email or phone call. She loved showing me pictures of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her face positively lit up when she spoke of them! Jeanette and I shared a love for writing d'vrei Torah -- commentary and teaching on the weekly parsha. I was honored when she requested that I deliver one of hers when she could not do it herself. She was truly "a woman of valor." May you find comfort in your memories of her.
Written by Judy Stanton
2020-09-25 4:51:22 PM
My friendship with Jeanette began in September of 2003, when we shared in a women’s Intro to Zen weekend that was held at DBZ Monastery in the Catskills. In the years that followed, we shared many conversations over tea, lunches, and e-mail. I treasure my friendship with this amazing woman- her grace, intelligence, curiosity, compassion, and persistence are an inspiration. I know the lives of her loving family will continued to be enriched by her legacy of love, and that all she touched will continue to be inspired.
Written by Lauren Melnikow
2020-09-26 6:43:41 PM
Jeanette was a neighbor of mine on Pickthorn Drive in Batavia. Years after I had moved to Poughkeepsie, she, one day walked into a DDSO meeting I was attending. I had no idea she had moved to Poughkeepsie and that I would be working with her on issues to assist individuals who are challenged with developmental disabilities. She was such a bright, inspirational, and upbeat person. What a great smile! She was also a wonderful cook and had my husband and I over a number of times for delicious brunches. Thank you, Jeanette, for being the caring and giving person you were. You made the world a better place.
Written by Jean Weinel (Harrington)
2020-10-08 5:53:20 PM
My deepest condolences to the family. Mrs. Powell was a great neighbor of mine , I live across the street and we became friends from a distance. My grandchildren had a closer relationship with her. My granddaughter would help her in her home and my grandson would cut her lawn. She and I also were facebook friends. I look out my window and always think of her. May God bless her family and continue to embrace in her memories. An angel who has gain her wings
Written by Patricia Ligon
2020-10-15 11:12:28 PM