Ethel Mae Powell

Ethel Mae O'Brien Powell, 83, passed away on October 25th, 2017. Memorial Mass: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 2, at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, Arlington with a reception immediately following the service. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, November 1, with a rosary beginning at 7 p.m. at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church Social Justice Ministry (Food Pantry), 1200 S. Davis Dr., Arlington, Texas, 76013. Ethel O'Brien was born on January 18th, 1934 to Francis A. O'Brien and his wife, Mary Margaret O'Brien, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ethel was a loving Wife and Mother of five children. Ethel grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma as the youngest of eight siblings. She graduated from Marquette Catholic High School in Tulsa, in 1952. While there, she participated in school activities including being a cheerleader. After graduating from high school she met and fell in love with her future husband, Frank Powell. She and Frank were married in November of 1953. In 1962 they moved to Norman, Oklahoma and later to Marietta, Georgia. Ethel and her family finally settled in Arlington, Texas in 1966 where she lived the last 50 years. Frank and Ethel were happily married for 63 years until Frank's death only four months ago. Ethel and Frank were inseparable throughout their marriage. They shared a sense of adventure and were eager to go to new places and try new things. They traveled all over the US, Central America and Europe with family and friends. Ethel spent most of her time raising her five children while Frank was working at the office. Ethel was a devoted Catholic and has been an active member of Saint Maria Goretti Parish for over 50 years. She volunteered her time at Arlington Charities and the North Texas Food Bank and has been a member of the Arlington Women's Club and Garden Club for several years. Ethel is preceded in death by her husband Frank, and four siblings. Survivors: She is survived by her five children and their spouses: Joan Powell DesRochers and husband Mark DesRochers of Arlington, Texas, Timothy Powell and wife Vivian Fredericks Powell of College Station, Texas, Christopher Powell and wife Karen Brake Powell of Mansfield, Texas, Steven Powell and wife Renee Bradley Powell of Fairview, Texas and Nancy Powell Wilkinson and husband Gregg Wilkinson of Dalworthington Gardens, Texas. Ethel had 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Ethel is also survived by her siblings, Katie Roberts of Farmer's Branch, Texas, Eugene O'Brien of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Francis O'Brien of Houston, Texas. Wade Family Funeral Home (817) 274-9233