January 22, 1928 - December 19, 2020

Eleda Powell passed away peacefully from natural causes in the early morning hours of December 19. Her friends knew her as Eleda Jean, E.J., or Lee. She was a lifelong resident of Downey. Her parents were James Albert and Sadie Adele Moore, who moved to Downey in 1921.

Eleda graduated in 1946 from Downey High School; where she was a majorette, baton twirler, and a member of the drama club and the elocution club. During summer vacations, she studied music courses at Chapman College. She married Robert “Bob” Powell at the Downey First Presbyterian Church in 1947. Bob was born in Downey in 1922, he passed away in Downey in 2000.

Bob and Eleda enjoyed going to Dixieland Jazz festivals and cruises, they also enjoyed a vacation to Great Britain and went on several vacations to Hawaii. She loved singing and dancing, especially jazz and tap dancing. In her later years, she performed in a local Polynesian dance troupe. She enjoyed playing bridge and at one time belonged to four monthly bridge groups. A very busy volunteer, she was a member of the P.E.O. International Sisterhood for over 70 years, serving as chapter president twice. She was active in the Assistance League of Downey, where she was the “shoe lady” at the Second Tyme Around Shoppe thrift store, and attended the Woman’s Club of Downey, performing in several talent shows.

Eleda’s other interests were collecting antiques, beach combing, and creating craft items to decorate her home for every holiday and season. She grew several varieties of Plumeria trees and enjoyed watching birds visit her bird feeder collection. She loved all animals and delighted in going hiking and traveling with her family throughout the United States and Canada.

Eleda’s true loves were her family. She is survived by her children John (Debbie) Powell of Downey, Jim Powell, of Danielson, Connecticut, and Judy (Jon) Martinez of Cambria, California. She is also survived by grandchildren Alyson (Billy) Frederick of Tacoma, Washington and Eric (Lorena) Powell of

Downey; and twin, great grandchildren Emilia and Liam Powell of Downey. Eleda will be interred at the Pomona Valley Cemetery. No memorial services are planned at this time.

Eleda is dancing and singing in Paradise with Bob!