Mildred A. Powell (Millie), a 55-year resident of La Cañada Flintridge, passed away at home in her sleep on the morning of August 1, 2020, at the age of 97. Born on October 14, 1922, in Bakersfield, CA, she graduated from Taft High School in Taft, CA, in 1940, where she played the stand-up bass. She served in the Navy Waves during World War II and later obtained her pilot’s license, flying several solo flights. On June 1, 1947, in Coalinga, CA, she married her husband of 62 years, Robert (Bob) Powell, who preceded her in death in 2009. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Southern California, where they raised their four children, Bill (Manique), Kevin (Laura), Bob (Fabiola), and Lenore. After years at home serving as a devoted wife and mother, Millie worked for a time at the Hollywood Bowl and then as a secretary for the Director of Development at St. Francis High School in La Cañada in the 1970s and ’80s. Millie and Bob spent many years square dancing with the Stumblebums and were also wonderful ballroom dancers. Millie enjoyed a lifetime of playing Bridge, including at the Thursday Club and at St. Bede, vacationing with extended family, and long friendships with other La Cañadans, the Brodheads, Middlebrooks, Foleys and Sirokys, among others. Millie is survived by her sister Barbara, her four children, 12 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
