Sandra Jean Powell

Sandra Powell was born June 4, 1939 in Tacoma, Washington to Jeanette and Allen Nichols, and passed away unexpectedly on January 31, 2019 with loved ones nearby. Sandra was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend to all. Sandra grew up in Key Center, Washington and attended Peninsula High School. She graduated from Washington State University with a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics. After college she taught school in Port Orchard for a short time and met Donald Powell, the love of her life. They were married on August 5, 1961 in Gig Harbor, WA. In 1962 Don and Sandra moved to Corvallis Oregon to assist in the operation of Garland Nursery, then owned by Don’s mother. Sandra was an amazing salesperson and loved to help all customers. She welcomed everyone into her home and brought a sense of family to the Nursery. Don and Sandra worked side by side for over 50 years running Garland Nursery. Sandra loved to play hostess to large gatherings, especially her annual Christmas Coffee that spanned 40+ years, and the beloved family Corn Roast. She was extremely engaged in the Corvallis community and was well known for her accomplishments and awards. Over the years she was awarded the Oregon Association of Nurseries Retailer of the Year, and she was recognized by the OSU College of Agriculture with their Diamond Pioneer Award. Don and Sandra were both elected into the Oregon Nursery Hall of Fame and received an OSU Austin Family Business Award. Sandra was past President of Chapter DQ, P.E.O., and a member of the Assistance League and Zonta. Lastly, as Oregon State football and basketball season ticket holders, you could always find her and Don cheering on their beloved Beavers. Sandra is preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband Donald Willis Powell. Sandra is survived by her children Brenda Powell (Mitch Brown), Lee Allen Powell (Linda), and Erica Powell Kaminskas (Jim); her sister, Margaret (Bruce) Tornquist, two nephews and their families; two granddaughters, Cali and Madeline (Taylor Doolen); and her Garland Nursery family. A memorial service will be held at Thursday, February 7th 2019 at 3pm at the Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan Corvallis. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sandra’s name to P.E.O Chapter DQ Oregon fund, supporting Women’s Education, c/o McHenry Funeral Home: 206 NW 5th St., Corvallis, OR 97330.

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Sandra Jean Powell

June 4, 1939 - January 31, 2019