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In Memory of Margaux

A celebration of the short but impressive life of twenty-six-year-old Margaux Powers was held at St. John's of Lattingtown this past week. A record number of friends and family filled the church to capacity, overflowing the church, the cloister, and the memorial garden. People even sat on the children's playground equipment as speakers brought the service to all attending, estimated to be close to one thousand. Powers, originally from Glen Cove, was murdered in her Manhattan apartment May 31st.
During the service, close friends and family members shared their memories of Margaux's life. Laura Powers-Swigget, Margaux's aunt spoke on behalf of her brother and niece, Michael Powers and his younger daughter Dana. Lance Odden, former Headmaster of the Taft School in Connecticut, which Margaux had attended, also spoke.
Margaux was an enthusiastic athlete who enjoyed attending tennis tournaments with her father in many countries throughout the world. She was also an outstanding lacrosse player who had attended the University of Vermont, and graduated from Cornell University in 2004 with a degree in English. Margaux was working as a portfolio assistant at Estabrook Capital Management in Manhattan, with plans to seek an MBA. Amanda Lynch, one of Margaux's closest friends and Margaux's aunt, Anne Haggerty, were readers during the service.
The Reverend Simon Foster, Priest in Charge, spoke of Margaux, and the hope of eternal life. He also mentioned that Bishop Orris Walker sent his personal condolences to the family. Rev. Foster spoke of Margaux's sister Dana and her parents Michael and Meg, and their involvement in church life. From the time she was a little girl, Margaux and her family had attended St. John's.
Hymns were sung by a quartet led by Music Director and organist Eric Milnes, who also accompanied Jason Crosby, a friend of Margaux's, playing Stevie Wonder song "Isn't She Lovely" on the violin at the family's request.
Margaux's friendly and warm smile graced the cover of the program of the service. A reception followed at the Piping Rock Club as friends and family gathered to remember this young woman who had touched so many lives.
There is a Margaux Powers Memorial Scholarship, and donations may be sent in Margaux's name to the Taft School, 110 Woodbury Road, Watertown, CT 06795. A music scholarship is being formed in Margaux's memory through the Glen Cove Arts Council. For details, email glencoveartscouncil@aol.com.

• Victoria Crosby