Hazel Oeschger Powers, long-time elementary teacher and resident of Myrtle
Street in Claremont, passed away on Wednesday evening, January 9, 2008 at
the Rochester Manor, Rochester, NH.  She was 94.

She was born in Gardner, MA on June 8, 1913 the daughter of John Anthony and
Mary (Levigne) Oeschger.

Mrs. Powers attended schools in Berlin and Peterborough, NH before
graduating from Keene Normal School to pursue her dream of being a teacher.
Her thirty-five year teaching career included teaching in a one-room
schoolhouse in Marlow before coming to Claremont where she taught
kindergarten at Bluff School, then second grade, first at Maple Avenue, then
at Way School.

She also served in the United States Navy during World War II teaching
aerial gunnery in Boulder, Colorado as a WAVE, service which she always
recalled with pride.

An avid golfer, skier, and tennis player, Hazel was a long-time member of
the Claremont Country Club.   She was also a member and past president of
the Claremont Business and Professional Women's Club, a member of  the
Woodbury Rebekah Lodge #61 and of the Claremont Garden Club.

Hazel Powers was known for her good humor, kindness, and positive spirit.
She was committed to education and loved books and music, traits that she
passed on to her children and her students. 

She was the widow of Donald Powers whom she married on June 8, 1947 and he
died May 18, 1985. He was the owner of Powers Shoe Company at 43 Pleasant
for many years. 

She is remembered with love by all whose lives were brightened by her
presence. 

The surviving family includes two daughters, Susan Minor of Acton, MA and
Barbara Wilson of Sanford, ME; three grandchildren, Travis Minor, Timothy
Wilson and Caitlin Wilson.

Interment will be in Mt. View Cemetery.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Hazel Powers will be held in
June of 2008.