Jessica Powers | |
|---|---|
 Jessica Powers | |
| Born | February 7, 1905 |
| Died | August 18, 1988(1988-08-18) (aged 83) |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Marquette University |
| Occupation(s) | Carmelite Nun, poet |
Jessica Powers (February 7, 1905 – August 18, 1988) was an American poet andCarmelite nun.[1]
Jessica Powers was born on February 7, 1905, inMauston, Wisconsin, the third child to John Powers and Delia Trainer Powers. By the time Jessica had turned 13, she lost both her older sister and father. She graduated fromMauston High School in 1922 and attendedMarquette University for a year studying journalism. She then worked inChicago before returning to care for her family after the death of her mother from 1925 to 1936.
After spending time inNew York City, Powers decided to enter the Milwaukee, Wisconsin community of the Carmel of Mother of God as apostulant on June 24, 1941. On April 25, 1942, she received the habit of theCarmelites and was given the religious name of Sister Miriam of the Holy Spirit. She died of a stroke on August 18, 1988.[2]
The Jessica Powers Papers are held by theMarquette University Special Collections and University Archives. The collection includes her correspondence (mostly letters received), handwritten and typescript drafts of poems, clippings of her poetry and other writings from newspapers and magazines, and writings about her.[3] Notable correspondents includedAugust Derleth,Raymond E. F. Larsson,Robert F. Morneau, andRegina Siegfried.
