Elsie May Power

Newport, RI - Elsie May Power, 91, of 9 Toppa Boulevard, Newport, RI, died Wednesday, August 9, 2006, at her home in Newport, RI. She was the wife of the late John Henry Power. Born in Newport, RI on May 20, 1915, she was the daughter of the late John and Ruth Coldicott Townend.Mrs. Power was a very active member of the Emmanuel Church community. Over the years she was involved in almost every aspect of church life. She was a Sunday School teacher and the pianist for the Sunday School, and active with youth groups including the Young People Fellowship, Girls Friendly, and the Rainbow Girls. Elsie was also a choir mother and a member of the Altar Guild and the Tuesday sewing group. She was also always quick to help at every church fair and also served as the Church Secretary, where she was the editor of the church newsletter. Mrs. Power was also a member of the Swanhurst Choir for over 40 years, and served as a Cub Scout Den Mother for several years. Mrs. Power working career was for various departments within the City of Newport, including the Dept of Water, Canvassing, and Welfare until her retirement in 1970. She was also a supporter of the Episcopal Conference Center in Pascoag R.I. which helped intercity youth and that she and her husband were involved in bringing the first tall ships to Newport. She also did private typing of manuscripts for some local authors, was an avid reader and enjoyed gardening. She also did volunteer work with the Red Cross during WWII. She is survived by a son Robert Bruce Power of Newport, RI and his wife Joni J. Power, a niece Phyllis Sherman of Middletown and nephew Donald Peckham of Southern Pines, North Carolina and many great nieces and nephews.Her funeral will be held on Monday, August 14, 2006, at 10:00 am in Emmanuel Church, 42 Dearborn Street, Newport. Burial will be in St. Marys Churchyard in Portsmouth.Calling hours will be held on Sunday, August 13, 2006, from 4-7pm in the Hambly Funeral Home, Brick House, 30 Red Cross Ave, Newport, RI.Memorial donations may be made to Emmanuel Church Building Fund, 42 Dearborn Street, Newport, RI 02840.