'Nan' Powell, Maui civic affairs activist, dead at 78

Advertiser Staff

Natalie "Nan" Nokes Powell, a retired Navy psychologist who was active in Maui civic affairs, died Aug. 3 on Maui. She was 78.

Powell was born on Oct. 15, 1923, in Ayre, Mass. She was a psychologist in the Navy and practiced in San Diego, Calif., and Bremerton, Wash..

Powell moved to Ha'iku, Maui, and began a second career as a community leader.

She served as a member of the Maui County Water Board, and was a director with Horizons Academy and the Maui Ranch Estates.

Most recently Powell was the president of the Tri-Isle Resource Conservation & Development Council and project director of the Moloka'i Agricultural Development Project.

Powell is survived by sisters, Norene Claeyssens and Virginia Ahokas; a brother, Jackson Nokes; daughter, Kathryn McKay; sons, David and Peter; and five grandchildren.

Donations may be made in her memory to the Cancer Institute of Maui, 221 Mahalani St., Wailuku, HI 96793.

Private services are planned.