Marge Powell (right) was honored for her many years of service to Dearborn at the Wayne County Commission’s Women’s Recognition Program Thursday in connection with Women’s History Month. Presenting Powell with the recognition is Commission Chairman Gary Woronchak (D-Dearborn).
Longtime community activist Marge Powell was honored by the Wayne County Commission Thursday during the commission’s Women’s Recognition Program held in connection with Women’s History Month.
Powell was selected by Commissioner Gary Woronchak (D-Dearborn) as the honoree for his district, which includes Dearborn, Allen Park and Melvindale.
“Whether it has been in holding elected office, or in service clubs, or as a PTA mom, Marge Powell has always been a standout, a leader and a much-honored high achiever in whatever arena she was serving,” said Woronchak, who is Commission chairman.
In detailing Powell’s service to Dearborn, Woronchak described her contributions to the community that spanned more than 45 years, starting when she joined the PTA at Lindbergh School across the street from her home. She later became president of Lindbergh’s PTA, and then president of the Dearborn PTA Council, the umbrella group for all PTAs in the school district.
“Having demonstrated her leadership with the PTA, Marge was encouraged to run for Dearborn City Council in 1977,” Woronchak said. “Not only did she win, but in typical Marge Powell style, she rose to the top. As the top vote-getter in her very first City Council race, she was automatically City Council president, a title she would continue to hold after being elected to a second term in 1981.”
After two terms on the City Council, Powell went to work for the Dearborn school district in adult education, but her service to the community continued. In 1988 she was welcomed as one of the first female members of the Dearborn Rotary Club. Then she became active with the American Association of University Women.
It was through her involvement with AAUW that Powell was named by the Dearborn Inter-Service Club Council as Service Club Member of the Year in 2006.
Powell also served on the city’s Civil Service Commission for 17 years, appointed in 1993 and holding the post until last year.
“Marge Powell has been one of Dearborn’s leading citizens for so many years,” Woronchak said. “It was my pleasure and privilege to offer her this recognition as part of the Wayne County Commission’s Women’s History Month celebration.”