Evelyn F Powers

Evelyn F Powers

July 11, 1940 - December 13, 2021

Evelyn found beauty in both the subtle and the sublime. She generously cultivated spaces to reflect her love of family, artistic expression, and the immediacy of the now. She instinctively knew that the senses draw us into the present, while offering an opportunity to relish sweet memories, and dream about the future.

She adored the citrus scent of vervain, the luxurious weave of a gorgeous fabric, the voluminous texture of an exquisite cream sauce, the crackling of champagne bubbles, the thrill of driving like a cabbie in NYC, the sophisticated taste of a Teuscher champagne truffle, and in true Francophile form, she absolutely LOVED to pronounce just about anything with French flair—especially her favorite color, orange.

While decorating homes, Evelyn had a profound understanding of the importance of creating a nurturing, safe space where families would truly thrive. She considered her design work to be two-thirds artistry and one-third therapy as she perennially remained true to her social-worker roots. Evelyn was an empath long before being empathetic was trending. It was quite simply, who she was.

Exceptionally resourceful, Evelyn had an eagle eye for a diamond-in-the-rough and would never shy away from a major renovation; rather, she was deeply inspired. Ultimately, she faithfully knew that hope and beauty can be found everywhere and she found tremendous joy sharing both her material and intellectual treasures with clients, friends, and family alike.

To have known Evelyn is to realize elegance was what we would experience with her every single day, while empathy is what we would feel from her throughout our lives. Her inner strength, lust for life, boundless creativity, and childlike curiosity served her well, creating a roadmap we can dependably follow. Evelyn remained elegant, charming, diplomatic, and gracious to the end.

In Evelyn’s final days, she looked forward to reuniting with her adored parents, Mary & Victor Dankanics, and her beloved husband, Michael, with whom she remained madly in love. Her unlimited faith gives us all hope, as she gracefully rests in peace.

Evelyn is survived by her daughters, Tara Powers-Hausmann & Nicole Bentley; her grandchildren, Hudson & Giselle Hausmann, Cameron & Dylan Bentley; and her sons-in-law Paul Hausmann & Robert Bentley.

In memory of Evelyn, make something beautiful, wear something orange, or enjoy some fabulous charcuterie with a glass of champagne. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Evelyn’s memory to the Visual Arts Center of NJ at 68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ 07901



Arrangements are entrusted to the Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA.