Margaret Jean Power

Lima, Ohio Margaret Jean (Atkinson) Power, 84, passed away Friday, January 24, 2014 at 5:35 p.m. surrounded by her family. She was born July 14, 1929 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada to James Humphrey Ray and Thirza May (Godfrey) Atkinson, who preceded her in death. In 1947, Jean was the Canadian National Track Champion in the 100 meters. On March 24, 1951 she married F. William “Bill” Power in Vancouver, British Columbia. Throughout their 62 years of marriage, Bill and Jean lived in Corona Del Mar, CA, Harlingen, TX, Pampa, TX, Brownsville, TX, and Lima, OH, where they have resided since 1975. Bill was a former publisher of the Pampa News in the 1960’s. Jean enjoyed traveling with Bill, friends, and family. Her greatest joy was in gathering her family for trips, holidays, and celebrations. Jean was an avid birder, who identified more than 500 species. She was involved with Ohio Northern University in tracking and identifying birds in the area for several years. Her other joys were gardening, knitting, tatting, and outdoor activities. Jean volunteered at a number of organizations, including the Equestrian Therapy Program, Lima Memorial Auxiliary, and Children Developmental Center (formerly the Cerebral Palsy Clinic). She is survived by her husband, Bill, two daughters, Patricia Ann (Paul) Ellis, of Dallas, TX, and Kerry Jean (John) Mongelluzzo, of Cincinnati, OH, and son, John Michael (Nanette) Power, of Texarkana, TX; eight grandchildren, Ryan, Rebecca, Kyle, Travis, Meredith, Melanie, Jennifer, and Lauren; one great grandchild, Lilliana; a sister-in-law, Margaret Ann Power; and a niece and nephew. She was preceded in death by her only sibling, John Lyle Atkinson. A Memorial Mass was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 27, 2014 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Lima. Entombment of cremated remains will be at a later date in Gethsemani Cemetery in Lima. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Equestrian Therapy Program, 22532 Bowsher Road, Cridersville, OH 45806 or Alzheimer’s Association Northwest Ohio Chapter, 200 East High Street, 2nd floor, Lima, OH 45801, or The Children’s Development Center of Lima Inc. 1001 Bellefontaine Ave., Lima, OH 45804, or donor’s choice. Arrangements are by Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services of Lima.