Judith Gail Roncalli Powers

Judith Gail (Roncalli) Powers passed away from this life on Sunday, June 15, 2025. Judy was born on June 25, 1939, to her loving and compassionate parents, Verturno Anthony Roncalli and Rita Gladys (Ruell) Roncalli, growing up in Indian Orchard MA. She was a graduate of Springfield Technical Highschool and went on to earn her Pharmacy Degree at the University of Connecticut. There she served as president of her sorority Delta Zeta and the Panhellenic Council. Professionally, Judy worked at George Washington Hospital in Washington D.C. and after raising her children pursued a job at the Pediatric Associates practice in VA.

Judy was a gracious, kind, loving woman who demonstrated devotion to others. Judy consistently admired each individual she met which resulted in deep, long-standing relationships. She was always happiest with visits from college friends, neighbor friends from years past, and more recently her friends in Clemmons. Judy’s greatest joys were her faith and family. She enjoyed participating and/or listening to the smallest details in her children and grandchildren’s lives. Her support and generosity were unending.

At the University of Connecticut she met the love of her life, Richard (Dick) Powers while sharing rides home from college in Dick’s car and then attending Botany class together. Judy and Dick were married May 5, 1962. They moved to Maryland (then later Virginia), began careers, and started their family. Judy’s favorite activities were hosting family Christmas, hosting New Years parties with friends, watching her grandson Luke swim in his pool, reading, telling stories – often a little embellished, shopping, playing cards with friends, attending Salem Glen book club and card groups, traveling and watching the hallmark channel.

Her grandchildren describe their Grammy as “comforting, warm, nurturing, loving, patient, devoted, and understanding". Comments from her friends and niece include “lovely lady, like a sister to me, best friend ever, she was my person, most beautiful woman, dear Auntie Judy, a woman who loved her family, and so many happy memories together”. Joined with Dick she was blessed with many decades of fun memories with family and friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard E. Powers, who passed away in 2013. She is survived by her three children, Michele Susan Fields and Todd Christopher Fields of Fuquay Varina NC, Gary Richard Powers and Allison Williams Powers of Davidson NC, and Kate Elizabeth Phillips and Patrick Edward Phillips of Clemmons, NC; and her precious grandchildren, Nicholas Anthony Fields, Anna Caroline Fields, Claire Rebecca Fields, Alexis Blaire Powers, Grace Olivia Powers, Sophia Rose Powers, Kendall Elayne Phillips, Luke Powers Phillips, and Eli Miles Phillips.

Judy was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church since 2005. The Powers family would especially like to thank her caregivers at Piedmont Home Care and Trellis Hospice for enabling Judy to remain in the comfort of her own home until the end.

A funeral mass will be celebrated by Rev. Peter Maza at Holy Family Catholic Church on Friday, June 27, 2025 at 10:00 am in the chapel. A lunch will follow in the fellowship hall. Thank you to all who knew Judy, for your love for her! Please know that each one of you blessed her life on earth. Judy joined her heavenly father on Father’s Day and is now reunited with her beloved husband. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel is serving the Powers family.