Maureen Powers

Maureen Powers, 77, of Lancaster, died at Hospice and Community Care, Mount Joy, on Saturday, January 3, 2026. She was born in Altoona to the late John William and Jeanette Powers. Maureen grew up in Loretto, PA. She graduated from St. Francis University in 1970 and later earned her master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg. After teaching briefly in Lebanon, PA, Maureen moved to Lancaster County, where she spent the remainder of her life. She worked as a Lancaster City planner for seven years and then joined the staff of the YWCA Lancaster in 1985. Maureen became CEO of YWCA Lancaster in 1987, a position she held until her retirement in 2014. Throughout her distinguished career, she was a passionate and dedicated advocate for women’s issues, racial justice, and equal rights. She was an avid volunteer in the community and served as the Treasurer, Board of Directors for the Community Action Program of Lancaster County (4 yrs), President, Board of Directors of Lancaster Day Care Center, Advisory Board, New Choices, for Lancaster County Career and Technology Center (22 yrs), Board of Directors for United Disability Services (5 yrs), President, Board of Directors for Lancaster Integrated Specialized Transportation System, and the Board of Directors for Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect. She also held positions such as Chair for YWCA Mid-Atlantic Region (4 yrs), Diversity Task Force for the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce & Industry (11 Yrs), and Advisory Group for Nonprofit Resource Network (6 yrs). Over the years, Maureen has been the recipient of many awards, including Harry C. Robinson, Sr. Humanitarian Award from Lancaster City-County Human Relations Commission (1989), Jean Royer Kohr Award from Lancaster Women’s Alliance (1993), Women Who Care from the Fulton Theater (2000), Kit Howell Progressive Voice Award from Lancaster Alliance for Tolerance and Freedom (2003), Racial Justice Award from YWCA Mid-Atlantic Region (2005), Champions of Diversity from Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Urban League (2009), Racial Justice Award from YWCA Lancaster (2014). In her personal life, Maureen found great joy in spending time with friends and family, especially around her table sharing the delicious meals she prepared. She also loved cats, including her beloved pets and strays alike. During the spring, she could often be found in her garden admiring her daffodils and tulips. Later in life, she traveled extensively with her family to far flung places like Kenya, Turkey, Egypt, and Europe; her wonder for the world never ceased. Maureen is survived by her sons, Matthew Aaron Kauffman (Christina Figueroa) of Penitas, Texas, and Ethan Andrew Kauffman (Jennifer) of Ardmore, PA; sister, Kathleen Gormish (Joseph) of Mountville, PA; brother, John William Powers (Virginia) of Lancaster; two nephews, two nieces, and two children of a nephew. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Maureen’s Memorial Service at The Groffs Family Funeral Home, 528 W. Orange Street, Lancaster, PA, on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the YWCA, 110 N. Lime Street, Lancaster, PA 17602, to honor Maureen’s memory.