Mary Anne (Philo) Powers

Mary Anne (Philo) Powers

Mary Anne (Philo) Powers died peacefully at AK Regional Hospital on April 17, 2020, after a 5-year battle with cancer. The youngest child of William Arthur Philo and Lois (Lawton) Philo-Ince, Mary was born on Sep 27, 1964. She was the second baby born at the new downtown Providence Hospital in Anchorage, AK. Mary underwent 18 major operations before she was two. Doctors did not expect her to live to adulthood. All her life, Mary fought hard to prove her doctors wrong. She never let health issues hold her back; instead she focused on what she could do. Sheer grit and trust in God gave Mary strength. A brave cancer warrior, her determination impressed everyone she met.

As a child, Mary lived in Michigan, Missouri, Washington and Oregon. In 1975, Mary moved back to Alaska and lived here the rest of her life. Mary married Doug Powers Dec 31, 1991; they both had found the love of their lives. They purchased land in Talkeetna and built their own house, surrounded by wildlife. Mary loved long bike treks, wilderness hikes, road trips, gardening and birds. Mary and Doug led mountain nature hikes, teaching people how to identify edible plants and wildflowers. Mary bred and showed German shepherds. She competed in dog shows throughout Alaska as well as Canada and Chicago and won hundreds of awards, including Best of Show, Best of Breed and Grand Champion.

Mary was well known in the Talkeetna area. For years she worked at The Store and Lou’s Bakeshop, mile 98 Parks Hwy—businesses owned by her mom, Lois, and stepdad, Jack Ince. Later she opened The Dog Shop next door. Mary also worked as a Personal Care Assistant and lovingly cared for elderly clients in the Talkeetna area. Even after Mary got sick, she continued to garden and show dogs as long as she could. She had sparkling eyes and a beautiful smile.

Mary is survived by husband Doug Powers of Talkeetna; sister Lori Philo-Cook (Bill) of Yukon, OK; brother Thomas Philo (Charlene) of Kernersville, NC; sister Kelley Philo of Houston, AK; stepdad Jack Ince of Anchorage; sister-in-law Jammy Philo of ND and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Mary was preceded in death by her father William Philo, Houston, AK; mother Lois Philo-Ince, Sunshine, AK; and brother Alfred William Philo, Emerado, ND.

A memorial service for Mary is planned for August 8, 2020.