Betty (Wilson) Powell

Betty Powell, age 89, passed away December 22, 2020 at Riverside Methodist Hospital due to complications related to Covid-19. She was born on December 19, 1931 in Somerville, Massachusetts to James Wilson and Annie Gilchrist (Toon) Wilson. 

She was preceded in death by sister Ann and brothers Douglas, Norman and James. 

She is survived by sons, David (Nancy), Erik (Missy), Craig and Norman (Vicki); grandchildren, Jordan, Austin, Spencer, Remy, Loren, Amy, Addie, Michael and Summer; and great-granddaughter, Kamilla.

In her own words, Betty shared the following:

“My love for and pride in my four sons and their wives, and now the accomplishments and promise of my nine grandchildren who continue to amaze me with their intelligence, caring nature and achievements already.

My forty-five plus years as a national antiques dealer exhibiting at all of the major antiques shows all over the country. I appreciated the trust my clients placed in me to always offer perfect; high quality; desirable pieces to them. It was an honor to assist them in building very important and valuable collections.  My interest in antiques was apparent at an early age, no doubt as a result of my accompanying my Mother to all the wonderful country auctions each summer in my beloved Wolfeboro, New Hampshire where we had our summer home.

My interest in women’s rights was inspired by Betty Freidan’s book ‘The Feminine Mystique’ and hearing her speak at O.S.U. on her book tour. In the years that followed how many times I heard a young woman say that Betty had changed her life. At one of the national N.O.W. conventions I mentioned that to Betty and she beamed, she considered us all her daughters. I was immersed in the activities of The National Organization for Women (NOW) for many years in the national, regional, state and local Columbus chapter, including the important effort to ratify the ‘equal rights amendment’ to the constitution. My NOW sisters from the early years remain my dearest friends, we were so caring and supportive of each other and we accomplished so much. We miss those who have died too soon.

In addition to my love of family, close friends, pets, rocks and poetry I love films, the theatre, animals, birds, Barbra Streisand, Meryl Streep, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, the late Paul Newman, Mario Cuomo, all shellfish, art in all of its forms, certain classic cars, Whittle Hill and so much more. I miss my Mother, my brother Norm and summers in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.”

Betty left specific wishes for her memorial service, which cannot be accommodated until the virus is under control and it is safe to gather again, hopefully in the summer of 2021

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