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.

Burial will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in the Valhalla Gardens Cemetery, Belleville, Illinois.

Memorial contributions in her name can be made to Friends Way, 765 West Shore Rd, Warwick, RI 02889.