Mireille J. Powell

We are sad to announce the passing of Mireille (Marie) J. Powell, (100) also known as Grand-mere to her family. Mireille passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, April 14, 2023.

Mireille was born February 10, 1923, in Beau Bassin Mauritius, the daughter of Jean and Helene (Caltaux) Chevalier. She married James Powell on August 14, 1941 in Beau Bassin, Mauritius.

In 1988, after the death of her husband, Mireille moved from Brussels, Belgium to Forreston, Illinois, to be near daughter, Eileen (Andy) Anderson along with grandchildren Wayne (Carol) Anderson, Tracey Anderson, and Great-Grandchildren Kaitlyn (Brad) Barker and Andrew Anderson Birkholz. Mireille made many trips to visit daughter, Roselind Seats of Ventura, California and her family. She affectionately referred to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great granddaughter as the "California Tribe".

Mireille had a passion for travel, good food, a good Cabernet Sauvignon and needlepointing the most beautiful and intricate creations. She had a vibrant wit and possessed an eloquent knack for telling stories of her fun-loving life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and siblings: Susan Norris, Annie Desfontaines, Lise Van Renen and Andre Chevalier.

A Funeral Mass will be at 11 A.M. on Friday, April 28, 2023, at St. Wendelin Catholic Church with Father Mike Bolger, officiating. Cremation Rites have been accorded. Mireille's wish is to have her ashes taken to "Her Island" of Mauritius. Grand-mere will be truly missed.

The Anderson family wishes to thank Cindy Wiles and Dawn Plock for the compassionate care they provided Mireille.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Wendelin Catholic Church Shannon, Illinois.