Alice Powell

Alice Semrud Powell, 79, of Grand Marais, died peacefully Thursday, October 19, 2017 at North Shore Hospital in Grand Marais surrounded by family and friends.

She was born May 27, 1938 at the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis.  Alice grew up in Hopkins MN, lived in Chicago IL for a couple of years, then attended Minneapolis Art Institute (now known as Mpls College of Art & Design, MCAD).  As a part of her extended learning, Alice took classes at the Art Colony in Grand Marais, which changed her life. She was introduced to the Northshore as her “beloved Lake Superior”.  While working at the Rustic Inn, she met a young man, Joseph Milton (Milt) Powell who became her husband in 1960.  They bought a home where they raised their 3 daughters.  She was the County Recorder for 12 years.  Upon retirement she and Milt wintered in Texas and Arizona, and spent many summer hours at their RV on Devils Track Lake.

Alice was a respected artist in the community, working with multi medium artwork, mostly known for her watercolor paintings.  Through the years she had received several awards and commendations for her art work.  She was a former member of the Lake Superior Water Color Society, and continued her lifelong passion of painting until her passing.

Another passion was her interest in genealogy,  tracing both her own family and Milt’s family back countless generations.

She was very proud of her groundwork on the domestic violence program in Cook County.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, husband Milt, and a brother Charles.

She is survived by her children, Elizabeth (Wayne) Harris, Jane (Darren) White, and Chris Powell; grandchildren, Ashley (Mike) Doherty, Jessica (Jason) Slimmer, Kristen Bond, Jack and Alexis White; and great grandson, Joseph Slimmer; brothers, Ray Semrud, John (Kathy) Semrud and several nieces and nephews

Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.