Mary “Meme” Donna Powers, age 78, of North Versailles, formerly of McKeesport, crossed through the gates of heaven on October 3, 2026, days before her 79th birthday. She was a devoted mother and a godsent guiding light who molded her family and inspired them in everything they do. Her drive kept her family going, and she always challenged them to be great.
Born and raised in McKeesport, she shared an unbreakable bond with her beautiful sisters, Catherine Virginia “Ginger” Pavlik, Joann Miller, and Joyce Weglinski. After losing their youngest sister, Ginger, at an early age, the remaining three became tied together like a knot—completely inseparable and always there for one another. Throughout their lives, they remained close, and the unwavering love they shared taught the younger members of her family everything about what life is truly about.
She was a stunningly beautiful woman who captured the heart of her husband, Gerald “Jerry” Matthew Powers. Gerald was the youngest of 10 children and was in the Navy during the Vietnam War on the USS Enterprise. They shared a deeply beautiful life together until he passed away in 2006.
Mary spent her entire life working as a cosmetologist because she loved making people smile. She was incredibly gifted at doing perms and cutting hair, always putting her whole heart into ensuring that every person left her chair feeling happy and special. Her first job out of beauty school was at Gimbels in the Eastland Mall when it first opened.
She is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Gerald Matthew Powers; her parents, John “Parker” Pavlik and Blanche McLaughin-Pavlik; and her youngest sister, Ginger.
She is survived by her loving son, Dan P. Powers, PE, whom she was so incredibly proud of, and his fiancée, Erina Adams. In her golden years, she became the very first employee her son hired at Powers Engineering. She helped out part-time by running errands to the bank, or just simply showing up to put a smile on his face and give the other coworkers a laugh or a snack. Mary’s drive and never-give-up attitude were the foundation of her son’s success, helping guide him through college, the rigorous testing to become a licensed engineer, and the challenging years ahead of running a successful company.
She is also survived by her beloved sisters, Joann Miller and Joyce Weglinski (Mick Weglinski); and her nieces and nephews on the Pavlik side, Donna Weglinski, Matt Weglinski, Jennifer Miller-Merck, Maria Miller, and Jessica Miller.
Her love, warmth, and beautiful spirit will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Arrangements
Family and friends will be received Saturday, October 10 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at . . .
James Kutch Funeral Home
433 Lincoln Highway
East McKeesport, PA 15035
A wake to celebrate her beautiful life and 79th birthday will follow from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Asti’s Italian Steakhouse – Grand View Golf Club, 1000 Clubhouse Dr, Braddock, PA 15104.
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