Katherine E. Powell
Date of Passing:
Katherine Powell, a woman of intelligence, conviction and compassion, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2025. Katherine courageously battled cancer for years, continually defying medical projections with her trademark tenacity. She was 62. Originally from Covina, California, she was raised in Belleville, Illinois, and graduated from Belleville Township High School West. Driven by an innate desire to serve, Katherine earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from St. Mary’s College in West Bend, Indiana, followed by a Master’s in Social Work from St. Louis University. Her inextinguishable dedication to learning and advocacy culminated in a Juris Doctor degree from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island.
Katherine’s world revolved around her son, Sam, whom she loved deeply. They shared a passion for travel, particularly road trips peppered with spontaneous adventures. Katherine’s zest for life was evident to everyone around her. She enjoyed dining out, watching films, doing cross stitch, playing cards, meeting with her book club, and, above all, spending time with family and friends. Katherine revered her circle of friends, who stayed close to her with love and compassion throughout her illness.
Katherine was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, and friend. She is survived by her father, Weldon Madison, and stepmother, Patricia Madison; her son, Samuel Powell; and her brother, Robert Powell of Henderson, Nevada. Katherine was particularly proud of her two sisters, Dawn and her husband Michael Freiberger of Walpole, and Wendy and her husband Terry Gallaher of Belleville. She was predeceased by her mother, Katherine White Powell, and her grandparents, Katherine and Robert White and Alfred and Verda Madison. Katherine was a loving aunt to her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and was always present for their birthdays and milestone celebrations.
For 28 years, Katherine devoted herself to Gateway Healthcare, Rhode Island’s largest nonprofit behavioral healthcare provider. For most of those years, she held the position of Senior Vice President of Children’s Services, where she developed comprehensive behavioral health programs for children. She also served as Executive Director at Friends Way, Rhode Island’s only bereavement center for children and teens. Katherine was former President and Board Member of the Lions Club, and a graduate of Leadership Rhode Island’s Psi class. Katherine’s insights were highly valued by all who sought her measured counsel. Her compassionate vision resulted in countless professional contributions that made a measurable difference in so many lives.
Katherine’s many impressive accomplishments are just one part of her beautiful legacy. Her family and friends will always treasure her warmth, wisdom and selflessness – and her sharp wit. She was a light in the world, and touched people’s hearts in gentle, but profound ways. Her memory will be an inspiration always.
Her funeral will be held on Friday August 22, 2025, from the W RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willet Avenue, Riverside, RI at 8:30 am with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Luke Church, Washington Road, Barrington at 9:30 am. Calling Hours will be held on Thursday August 21, 2025, from 4-7 pm.
A committal service will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 12 noon in the Valhalla Gardens Funeral Home, 3412 Frank Scott Pkwy West, Belleville, Illinois.
Memorial contributions in her name can be made to Friends Way, 765 West Shore Rd, Warwick, RI 02889.
Sam, we are so sorry to hear the news. Our best goes out to you and your family. Your mom was such a terrific person… she will live on in your heart and in all the memories you had together.
We are so heartbroken we just learned today of Kandy’s death. What a generous, warm, and kind woman. You always made time to have the annual Christmas caroling and cookies, take Sam to all of his activities, volunteer for scouts as well as school activities. You did all this even while getting treated for your cancer and being a single mom. Sending Sam and all of your family members and loved ones our deepest condolences.
I have been fortunate in life to be surrounded by intelligent, strong, independent and caring women and Kandy is certainly one of them. I have known her since she hired me right out of school 37 years ago! She was a true example of integrity, strength, grace, selflessness and gratitude. Her accomplishments, including raising her wonderful son, will be remembered and admired well beyond her short time spent on earth. RIP Kandy!
I met Kandy when she became a Pawtucket Lion. From the start she embraced our motto “We Serve”. She worked hard with us and became friends with most of us. We will miss her.
Kandy – you have touched so many lives through your guidance, training and supervision of those who care for children. Your kindness, paired with a commitment to ethics and honesty has been the guide post that shaped the programs, the managers, and the direct care staff who provide support and healing to the most vulnerable youth, even now and into the future. Your example remains a light for all who know you. Your memory is a blessing. Rest in peace, my friend.
Candy, my dear friend, a great companion, smart, funny and compassionate. We had so many fun adventures and made so many great memories with G and Sam. The laughs and heartfelt talks will always remain in my heart. I will always be there for Sam if he needs me. Rest easy sweet lady.
I will miss you. You brought your strength with you when we played cards. Your courage and zest for life was an inspiration. You were a wonderful Mom to Sam and he will move forward with you at his side. He knows you are watching over him. You lived your life “My way”. My sympathy to Sam and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. You were an amazing woman and will live on in the hearts of many. Rest in peace.
Samuel,my deepest sympathy in the loss of your Mom.I just met her playing cards at the senior center and she made such a huge impression on me.She mentioned you within ten minutes of our meeting and lit up like a Christmas tree. You warmed my heart with your comments,keep making her proud Sam.
Rest in Peace Katherine🙏
Candy…never got to give you that Shepard’s Pie. Perhaps now you are amongst those Shepards, they’ll make a special one for you. It was wonderful knowing you even for the short time at cards. You will be missed. RIP dear lady.
Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time.
So Very Sorry to hear about Kandy! She was a amazing person.
Please accept my condolences. Candy was a lovely woman whose passion was helping others. We don’t often see the impact of our efforts during the process but it lingers and grows. She changed the trajectory of so many lives for the better. In this she lives on.
Sincere sympathy to the family. Will miss you.
Go with God.
So very sorry yet you are now free from pain. Will miss you.
Go with God.
I’m so sorry to hear of Candy’s passing. Loved seeing her at the family celebrations. Our thoughts prayers are with you all.
So terribly sorry to hear of Kandy’s passing … she was my sister Mindee’s dearest friend and I know she will be terribly missed by her family and all who loved her. RIP Kandy, a life well lived.
Was the best mother any son could have asked for. Always put other first worked hard even when no body was looking. Took risk and sacrificed everything to give me the best life possible. So blessed and proud to say that’s my mom. May you live on forever with the story’s of the people she helped. Love you mom and I know your watching and protecting me from above promise to make you proud
I am so sorry for your loss. She is now out of pain. I have so many good memories with you all growing up. I am glad I got to see before she passed.
The epitome of resilience, determination, and dedication, she overachieved and defied the odds. Her life made a huge difference for her family, friends and the thousands of people who benefited from her work at Gateway and Friend’s Way. The world needs more Katherine Powells. What an inspiration.