Maureen Powers, a consummate caregiver, made an impact on her group of friends — the Sandy Bay Sisterhood — both in life and after death.
She was one of a group of Rockport women who shared lots of laughter and sorrow since they became the Sisterhood in 2002.
Now — in her memory — the Sisterhood is holding a open community party on May 31 at the Rockport Country Club. The proceeds will benefit cancer research and education through the Ovarian Cancer Education Awareness Network (OCEAN) at Massachusetts General Hospital and some money will go to the Good Friday Walk for Cancer.
"Why a dance?" asked Trish Dunton, one of the organizers. "Why not? After all, she said, springtime is prom time. "Since Rockport lies on the ocean and because our Sisterhood began one night over subs and cocktails while floating in Sandy Bay, we have chosen the ocean as our theme for the prom event."
The women will create a thematic backdrop for the event at the hall in which a 10-foot mural of the ocean will stand with two lighthouses facing each other with the beam of light, "like a ray of hope," said Dunton.
But gowns and tuxedoes are not mandatory, she said.
"Dress to have fun whatever that attire may be," said Dunton. "Come celebrate life, dance to lively music and have a ball while raising money for a worthy cause."
The benefit event will include a dance contest.
The Sisterhood includes Dunton, Claire Hobbs, Courtney Rapp, Cynthia Hobbs, Sharon Jordon, MaryHelen MacLeod, Joan Cutter, Gretchen Anderson, Lucy Kohler and Sue Waddell. They represent a tapestry of women's lives.
"We walk 10 different paths," said Dunton. "But we all share the bond of being parents and most are grandparents. But in October of 2006, ovarian cancer took the life of Maureen Powers and decreased the group from 11 to 10 members."
The members include a travel agent, massage therapist, school secretary, business manager, small business owner, homemaker, a home health aide and other roles.
The women meet monthly at their homes on a rotating basis.
"We share in the joy of good times and, when needed, help each other through the tough times. Losing our friend Maureen reinforced our bond and our purpose of helping each other," said Dunton.
Claire Hobbs, who has known Powers for 30 years, said when a few of the "sisters" raised the notion of a benefit prom in their friend's memory, they all jumped at the idea. Powers' daughter, Erin Bilenchi, is also providing assistance in the event planning. Bilenchi is a member of OCEAN, a beneficiary of this event, and supports this local effort to help the organization of the Massachusetts General Hospital. Part of the OCEAN money goes to its tumor bank, which is part of the hospital's ongoing research in seeking cures for ovarian cancer.
Hobbs described her friend as the ultimate nurse.
"She was a very caring person. I had stitches once and she came over to take them out for me. She was also a fighter and she fought her illness for five years and worked right through it," said Hobbs.
Erin Batistelli, a sibling of Powers, said this group of women meant a lot to her sister.
"This is a group of friends who shared a lot of bonds having to do with family and the different work they do. But they would come together and enjoy each other's company and support each other."
She thought her sister would be thrilled at the idea of money being raised for these causes, although perhaps slightly embarrassed because she did not seek any limelight.
"But she would also know that they are doing this not only for her but because all of us have been touched by loss having to do with cancer. She would want people to think of others they have lost at the same time," said Batistelli. "Every time is touched by this, and she would say it's not just for me, but for all of us, and especially for those who are still fighting and beating this thing."
Open community party
What: "Senior" Prom, with DJ Brian Kelley, a party for everyone with proceeds to benefit cancer research and education. But formal prom attire is optional. Anything goes.
When: May 31 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Rockport Country Club
Tickets are $25 and include a light buffet. There will be a cash bar, raffle and silent auction. If desired, nosegays at $15 and boutonnieres, $5, as well as tickets, can be ordered by e-mailing SandyBaySisterhood@yahoo.com or calling 978-546-2070. Each ticket holder receives a tax-free donation receipt. Donations are always welcome. For more information, visit the Web site at SandyBaySisterhood.com.
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