Jo Powers Obituary

Sorry to hear about Ms. Power's passing. She was lots of fun but also very serious about teaching us how drama worked. Great person to learn theater from. Our last show at Newtown was amazing, and my experience on the production team under her (with Michael Margolin and Ellen Johnson) led me to my career in film and tv. And now that I have become a teacher, I direct the school plays too. I wish I had connected to Joann to thank her for planting the seeds. So many great teachers back then that truly cared for the students.

I was not fortunate to know Ms. Powers when I was at Newtown (1983 to 1985). However, in the unofficial Newtown Alumni Association that I run many members do and their feelings toward her is unanimous, that she was a wonderful and caring teacher.

- Linus Ly


From the many condolence messages I collected these:

May she rest in peace. A gentle soul. I had the pleasure of working with her during the senior production of Murder in a Nunnery in 1980
- Wendy Boor

Ms. Powers was such a kind and thoughtful teacher. I always admired how she dressed. She was one of a kind. My condolences to her family
- Ruthy Molina

So sorry to hear this. I was in speech class and then 2 years of TV production. Wonderful teacher and terrific director. RIP.
- Jerry Tso

I´m so sad to hear this. She was an inspiration to me and others who wanted to perform. She was always very supportive and helpful. I loved her smile and will always have a special place in my heart for her. RIP
- Alex Sonera

I'm so sorry to hear this. Ms. Powers was very influential in my life. I vividly remember the lessons that I had with her for public speaking. She will be missed
- Esther Reich

My mentor and great teacher, who helped me in many ways to become the person am now and to focus on my English pronunciation which led me to pursue my minor in English. you will be remembered and missed
- Alejandra Val

So sad to hear this. I remember Ms. Powers very fondly. I had her for speech and drama. An excellent teacher and wonderful person! May she rest in peace.
- Lisa Mesulam

It was her class that had me consider switching from radio broadcasting to television, especially during a field trip to WABC 7. I liked her. May she rest in peace and her family find comfort in God's arms. Class '82.
- Alberto Moreira

I knew Ms. Powers as a student but, also, as a favorite teacher of my father, Tom Carroll. My father was an Assistant Custodian at Newtown HS for many years. He worked afternoon/nights. He got to know the teachers well. I had heard about Ms. Powers - years before I ever met her. My father got to know her through the play productions. He adored her. She made him laugh. Whatever Ms. Powers needed related to the plays that he could help her with - he did. I'm sorry to hear of her passing but, remembering the "Ms. Powers stories" of my childhood made me smile. God bless you, Ms. Powers.

As a Newtown HS graduate from 1975, I have a great memory of Ms. Powers, who directed our HS production of Peter Pan that year. After the show, Ms. Powers invited the entire cast and the musicians (I played clarinet as part of the musical accompaniment to the cast members' singing) to her home, where she had a big party for us in her basement. She was such an enthusiastic and generous soul. May she rest in peace in the Life beyond this life.

Ms. Powers was my Speech teacher back in 1980, she was awesome and very beautiful. RIP Ms. Powers.

Ms. Powers was one my teachers at Newtown. Wonderful teacher and person. I was saddened to hear she passed. May she Rest In Eternal Peace.

Jo Ann was a valued member of the Newtown High School Family. She was loved by students and colleagues. May she rest in peace.