Obituary of Rita Claire Powers

Rita Claire Powers, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2025, after a courageous six-year battle with Angiosarcoma. She was surrounded by her loving daughters, Christina and Stephanie, and her devoted son-in-law, Louis.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, to William and Stella Powers, Rita's life was deeply tied to her family. Many of her relatives lived blocks away from her Flatbush neighborhood, including her sister, Carol Powers, her partner, Beatriz Diaz, and her cousins, John Barrett and Teresa Barrett (who passed away earlier in 2025). Rita maintained a close and loving relationship with her family that lasted a lifetime.

Rita, a proud graduate of St. John’s University (Brooklyn campus), earned her bachelor’s degree and met her late ex-husband, Stephen Massie (deceased 2008). As a single mother, she dedicated herself to raising her daughters with love, strength, and independence. Her career started as a bookkeeper in the accounting department of a textile company. She later served as the Director of Human Resources at Swavelle Group until her retirement in 2019.

Rita’s kindness and thoughtfulness touched everyone who knew her. She had a special way of making people feel seen and loved, whether it was through a handwritten birthday card or simply lending an ear. Rita was a devoted Catholic and a former member of the choir at Resurrection Church, where she will be remembered with honor.

Above all, Rita's greatest joy was her family. She cherished her role as a mother and grandmother. Known lovingly as “Nana” for the last 11 years, Rita was a dedicated grandmother to Aaron Stefan Fortune, 10, and Alexa Claire Fortune, 8.  Her love for them was immeasurable, and they brought her immense happiness.

Rita will be deeply missed by all who have the privilege of knowing her, and her memory will forever remain in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Rita’s memory to NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center. You can contribute here: https://give.nyulangone.org/funds/perlmutter-cancer-center/

Reposing on Sunday, November 30 from 2:00 - 7:00 PM  at Marine Park Funeral Home, 3024 Quentin Road, Brooklyn, New York. 

Mass of Christian burial will be held 9:30 AM on Monday, December 1 at Resurrection R.C. Church, 2331 Gerritsen Avenue, Brooklyn, New York. 

Burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 575 Hillside Avenue , White Plains, NY 10603.

Forever In Our Hearts