Cathy Z. Powell

Cathy Z. Powell, age 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 20th, 2022 ,at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, TX, with her two sons by her side. A fifth-generation Austinite, Cathy was born August 27th, 1942, in Austin, TX, to Gay and Lucille Ziller. Cathy’s great-great-grandfather, Michael Ziller, in 1849 constructed Austin’s first stone building at the northeast corner of Sixth Street and Congress Avenue ,which was later replaced by the historical Littlefield Building.

Cathy attended Bryker Woods Elementary School, O. Henry Middle School and was a graduate of Austin High School in 1960. Cathy attended the University of Texas undergraduate program for two years ,then graduated with an R.N. degree from the Brackenridge Hospital School of Nursing in 1965. While working as a nurse in the emergency room of Brackenridge Hospital, she met Joe T. Powell, a medical student there in the externship program. Their romance kindled when Joe was playing the piano and Cathy surprised him by playing the melody to the song on her violin. After a brief courtship, they married on December 27, 1965, at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin, TX. They moved to Galveston, TX ,where Cathy worked at St. Mary’s Hospital as an RN until 1967, when Dr. Joe T. Powell graduated with honors from University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Subsequently, Cathy and Joe moved to Dallas, TX, and she taught four years for the Nursing Education Program. Joe entered the U.S. Army as a Major and was assigned to the Tripler Army Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii. There, Cathy served three years as Association Leader for the Kahaluu, Oahu, community. After a brief stay in Columbus, Ohio, they returned to Austin in 1976.

Cathy served the Austin community with many years of volunteer work, including fund raising as annual Ball Chairman for the Helping Hand Society (fundraising for Helping Hand Home for Children), Perry Mansion Showhouse Chairperson for Hospice Austin (1986), President for Travis County Medical Alliance (1990-1991), Women’s Symphony League and Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

Cathy and Joe enjoyed playing for Austin’s Saint David’s Episcopal Church in the Canterbury handbell choir. Cathy had culinary training and a talent for French cooking, making for the most memorable meals. Preceding Cathy in death, Joe passed away in 2020 and they enjoyed nearly 55 years of marriage. She is survived by her two sons, Richard T. Powell and John B. Powell; brother Gay Marion (GM) Ziller, Jr., CAPT USN (Ret) and his wife Susan S. Ziller; Joe’s brother Jack Powell; granddaughters Charlotte Powell and Grace Ryan; extended family.

Memorial service is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 28th, at 1p.m. at Saint Michael and All Angels in Dallas, TX. If desired, memorial donations can be made to the Helping Hand Home for Children in Austin, TX.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Powell family.