Frances "Tootsie" Powell

Frances S. “Tootsie” Powell passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 7, 2015 at Bright Kavanagh Hospice. She was 93.

Tootsie was born on May 5, 1922 to Italian immigrant parents Giuseppe and Fortunata (Santoro) Civitate. She attended St. Anthony grade school graduating proudly in the class of “36”. She went on to Lincoln High School and graduated in 1940. Tootsie began her professional career working as a receptionist for Dr. Peesley for $7 a week. She also worked for Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance, Thompson Hayward Chemical and retired from C & I Products.

In 1950, she married a tall, handsome blue eyed Eastsider by the name of Bill Powell. They had four children and settled on the Southside, building a home at the top of the hill that had the best view of the city skyline. Tootsie was one of the most generous people you would ever meet. If she wasn’t donating money, she was donating her time. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader for all of her girls. She volunteered daily at the nursing home when her mother and siblings were residents. Tootsie became active with the YMCA Senior Swimming Group starting a newsletter and organizing parties for holidays and birthdays. She was instrumental in the cultivation of the Italian American Cultural Center donating monetarily and volunteering hundreds of hours of her time because she loved her Italian heritage. Tootsie was a member of St. Anthony Church, Altar and Rosary Society and the Bellizzi MacRae American Legion Auxiliary, showing her devotion for her church and country.

Tootsie never met a stranger, letting everyone know her house was “always open”. She loved having people for coffee and pasta on Sundays after Mass and she hosted all family holidays. She was always baking, especially Italian cookies for the holidays and of course pies. Tootsie enjoyed playing cards with her cousins, (Tuesday Cousin Club), and her grandchildren. She was an original member of Noah’s Ark bowling team, always looking forward to yearly bowling tournaments. Any excuse to travel, whether a weekend bus trip or an adventure to Europe. Tootsie was always on the go. She touched many lives. No one ever forgot Tootsie once they met her. Her last few years she was a daily visitor at Pioneer Columbus Senior Center, playing dominos, visiting and of course making an impression on everyone there. Her energy and contagious laughter will be missed by all who knew her.

Tootsie was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband of 64 years, Bill Powell; her parents; her sisters, Clara Pasutti, Mary Cecola and Marge Cosner; and her brothers, Frank “Chick”, John and Donald Civitate.

She is survived by her daughters, Debbie (Keith) Richmond, Carol (Mike) Tiernan-Williams and Betty Powell; son, Richard Powell; grandchildren, Rochelle (Merrill) Hoopes, Tonya Albizo, Anthony Albizo, John (Meghan) Tiernan, Billy (Andrea) Tiernan and Nick Tiernan; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Road. The family will greet friends at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the Rosary recited at 6:30 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be directed to HCI Hospice Care Services.

Online condolences may be directed to
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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