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, Minn., lived in Chicago for a couple of years, then attended Minneapolis Art Institute (now known as Minneapolis 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 North Shore 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 three daughters.
Alice 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 Devil 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 artwork. Alice was a former member of the Lake Superior Water Color Society and continued her lifelong passion for 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; great-grandson Joseph Slimmer; brothers Ray Semrud, John (Kathy) Semrud; and several nieces and nephews.
Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 28 at the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery from 3 to 6 p.m. To sign the online guestbook visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com
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