Jane S. Todd Powers

Jane Todd Powers (nee Connelly)

Jane Todd Powers (nee Connelly) of Bradenton, Florida and formerly Rockville, MD, passed away on Friday, March 3, 2023 in Philadelphia, PA at age 85.

Born on April 10, 1937, in Waltham, MA to Kathleen and Arthur Connelly, Jane was the eldest of four. She graduated from Brookline High School in 1955 and Newton Wellesley School of Nursing in 1960.

Jane found her calling as a nurse. She began her career in obstetrics, moved to surgery and intensive care and finally found her true passion – psychiatric nursing. Professional highlights include her time at Chestnut Lodge Psychiatric Hospital and the Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents in Rockville, MD, where she helped develop and manage nationally acclaimed psychiatric residential treatment programs and served as a nursing supervisor. Her compassion, engaging nature, beloved dog Nisha (who accompanied her on rounds) and infectious sense of humor helped her connect with patients and their families. Many spoke of the
positive impact Jane had on their lives and care, and as a result Jane gained enormous fulfillment from her more than 30 years of nursing.

She is predeceased by her husband, John Charles Powers II, CRNA and brother Arthur Connelly. Jane and John shared 30 years of happiness and laughter, enjoying traveling, entertaining lucky guests, listening to music, cooking and spending time with their friends, children, and grandchildren.

Striking up conversations with strangers on a daily basis, Jane acquired friends wherever she went. She was a brilliant story teller and fierce friend – always there to provide a helping hand, levity, or words of comfort. Her loves included animals, gardening, antiques (especially the hunt) and most of all, food. Though she battled serious health issues for much of her adult life, she never complained and was grateful for each day and her many blessings.

Jane is survived by her daughter Jennifer McNamee of Narberth, PA; daughter Karen Stephey and son-in-law Rod Stephey of Monrovia, MD; sister Kathleen "Snook” Harrison of Brookline, MA; brother Peter Connelly of South Yarmouth, MA; and four grandchildren – Matthew (Rebecca), Michelle, and Christopher Stephey, and Elizabeth McNamee. She was loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Interment will be at Sarasota National Cemetery Memorial on March 31st.

Contributions in Jane’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice in lieu of flowers. Some of Jane’s favorites included:

National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. (NORD)
Attn: Department 5930
P.O. Box 4110
Woburn, MA 01888
Rarediseases.org

The Humane Society of Sarasota County (HSSC)
2331 15th Street
Sarasota, FL 34237
https://www.hssc.org/