01/30/2026
Anne Jeanette Powers
Albany, NY - Anne McBath Powers, of Albany, NY passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026.
Anne was born on November 16, 1926, at the Sanders house in Lisbon, NY to William K. McBath - of Lisbon, NY and Jessie J. McBath (nee' Veitch) - of Madrid, NY who soon brought her home to the family farm in Lisbon, NY. Anne was christened at the Presbyterian Church in Waddington, NY. The McBath family home rested on the shores of the St. Lawrence River where she grew up with her older sister Norma with whom she was very close. Norma Betty Grant (nee' McBath) settled in Long Beach, CA, and predeceased Anne in 2013. While growing up helping on the family farm and watching the large ships pass by on the St. Lawrence River, the sisters shared lifelong pursuits. At night, they would settle in with the family dog to listen to the radio with their father, and the family always loved to cheer on their beloved Montreal Canadiens. They enjoyed traveling, the arts, theater, sewing, knitting, sports and bird watching. They visited 14 different countries over the years, many times as part their family reunion with the Veitch historical society. We still have all the slides and slide projector. If you wanted to know about a bird, a tree, plant or a flower Anne could tell you or she would find out for you.
After graduation from Waddington High School in June of 1943, Anne was accepted to the Potsdam Teacher's College within the elementary education program and completed her Bachelor's degree. Her first job out of college in the fall of 1946 was at the Black River Elementary School (part of Fort Drum) teaching third grade. During her time at Black River, she received her Master's degree in teaching from Potsdam.
The next decision she made (in our humble opinion) would lead to many wonderful things. A family friend recommended that Anne take an available teaching position at the North Street School in Ilion, NY wrangling and leading 3rd graders, she taught there from 1949 to her retirement in 1957. While in Ilion NY she met her husband Richard K. Powers. They were married on July 9, 1955 at the Church of Annunciation, Ilion NY, officiated by the Rev. Daniel Horan. Her husband Richard K. Powers predeceased her in April of 1994.
She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was caring, patient and kind to all her family and friends. Anne grew up in an era where being part of local organizations and helping the community was how you spent your time. She was a member of the Ilion Little Theatre Club, Mohawk Valley Women's business association, Ilion Women's Bowling League, Ilion KofC Auxiliary, and Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts to name a few. Over the years Anne accomplished many things. Some of her highlights: winner of the Ilion Bi-centennial poster contest in 1976, many awards for her flower arrangements as part of the Ilion Garden Club, planting flowers and trees around the village of Ilion, volunteering with the Ilion Little Theatre Club and many school projects in support of her children and grand-children. She spent many summers on Piseco Lake NY, usually up at 5am in search of the loon or other wildlife. She ended up identifying many species of birds over the years for the National Audubon Society as a member representing the West Canada Valley Audubon Society. Anne served as a coordinator for the New York Breeding Bird Atlas project from 1981-1986, covering Hamilton County. At the conclusion she represented her area at the National Audubon Camp in Hog Island Maine. Anne was a lifetime member of the Federated Garden Clubs of NY State. She first joined the Ilion Garden Club in 1957, was President from 2000 - 2002, and loved to create arrangements and help others with creating their own. Every family holiday table over the years had something special that Anne created. After spending 59 years in Ilion, she carried that passion on when she moved to Slingerlands, NY in 2008 joining the Bethlehem Garden Club of Delmar. All of her work over this time was recognized when she received a NY State Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
Another passion of Anne's was spending a day at the horse races in Saratoga, she cashed quite a few tickets over the years, but could be stingy with any horse racing tips. Anne made many friendships over the years as she was always able to connect with people through her projects and helping her husband with the real estate business. She had her real estate license and continued to sell into her 70's. She took up painting at the age of 78 and became quite the painter. She gave many of her paintings away to her family and we will always cherish those.
Anne is survived by her children and their spouses, Barbara Cristman (Dean) Ilion NY, Jack Powers (Maureen) Delmar NY, Robert Powers (Pia) Charlotte NC and her niece Roberta Grant Santa Barbara CA. Roberta was a great travel companion for Anne and she loved following her career. Also, her grandchildren; Jason Cristman, Jennifer Maggiolino (Dean), Brian Cristman, Jane Powers, Callan Powers, Nolan Powers and Riley Powers. She also has two great grandchildren Alexis and Kylie Maggiolino. The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the people at Marie Rose Manor in Slingerlands and the Teresian House in Albany for all their support and care.
Calling hours will be Friday, February 6, 2026 at Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. in Ilion, NY from 2pm to 4pm. A funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 4pm with Rev. Betsy Jay, officiating.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Anne's memory to the Ilion Garden Club, 12 George St. Ilion, NY 13357. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
To leave condolences for Anne's family, please visit www.whiter-hendrix.com
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