Corinne Wagner Powers, a long-time member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Holladay, and founder, with others of the St. Martha's Baby Project for the Diocese of Salt Lake City, died May 28, 1997, at her home. She was 69 years old.
Born February 20, 1928 in Fargo, North Dakota, to Allen J. Wagner and Hilda Sieben Wagner. Corinne grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. She attended high school at St. Joseph Academy, St. Paul. She earned a bachelor's degree in English and philosophy at Good Counsel College in White Plains, New York and went on to earn a master's degree in communications at the American University in Washington, D.C.Corinne married John T. Powers June 13, 1959 in White Plains. She worked in the public relations department of the American Medical Association; in the production dept. of an early television talk show; in the public relations dept. of the Shell Oil Co., Denver, Colorado; and as public relations director of the American Cancer Society in Westchester, New York, before moving to Utah with her family in 1977.
Active throughout her life in the Catholic Church, she served the church in New York and Utah in a number of areas, including on parish councils, supporting Catholic education, and in women's group activities.
Nine years ago, Corinne was a founder of the St. Martha's Baby Project, which over the years has provided more than 1,000 complete layettes for babies born in poverty throughout the Salt Lake Valley and beyond. Working out of her own home and the offices of Catholic Community Services in Salt Lake City, she saw the program grow to include projects in Ogden and Cedar City. Encouraging ecumenical efforts, Corinne invited the assistance of women and men of every faith with the words, "No child should come into the world unloved."
Corinne is survived by her husband, John; one son, John Thomas (Marian) Powers, Oakland, CA; one daughter, Mary Corinne (Sean) Egan; six grandchildren; and an uncle, Jack Wagner of Santa Barbara, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Allen, who died in infancy.
At her request, Corinne's body was donated to the University of Utah Medical Center.
Memorial Mass will be celebrated for Corinne Powers on Saturday, June 7, 1997, at 12 noon, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1375 East Spring Lane, Holladay.
The family would like to thank all of those who cared for Corinne with such love and dignity during her illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Martha's Baby Project, in care of Catholic Community Services, 2300 West 1700 South, SLC, UT 84104
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