Lydia M. (Powers) Berens

BERENS, Lydia M (Powers), 82, of Kettering, died March 4, peacefully at home after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. Born in Dayton, eldest child of Josephine and William Powers, Lydia graduated from Julienne High School, and earned a BS in Mathematics from the University of Dayton. She met her husband, Al Berens, while working as students on “The Projects” at UD. An instructor at Purdue University until her first child was born, Lydia raised five children then returned to the workforce as a substitute math teacher in Kettering schools.

Preceded in death by her grandson Colin Giddings, sister Rosemary Powers, and parents, Lydia is survived by her husband of 59 ½ years Alan Berens; her children Alan (Mary Ellen) Berens Jr, Timothy (Louise) Berens, Rebecca (William) Koop, Kathleen (Wesley) Giddings, and Daniel (Anna) Berens; her grandchildren Emily Berens, Michael Berens, Mark Berens, Paul (Cassie) Koop, Sarah (Jordan) Grawe, Daniel Berens Jr, Samuel Berens, Josephine Berens, and Grace Giddings; her great-grandson Theodore Koop; her brothers William (Ruth) Powers, Robert (Janis) Powers; her aunt Letitia Giambrone; and many other relatives and friends.

Only six and a half years elapsed from the birth of her first to her fifth child, but Lydia parented each of them in a way that recognized and encouraged them as individuals. Through her actions and words, Lydia taught compassion, empathy and tenacity to her children and grandchildren. She believed that opportunity is often missed because it is disguised as hard work. The nucleus of her family, Lydia’s intelligence, quiet strength and loving spirit touched everyone. Her “L” remains forever stamped on their hearts.

Visitation Sunday, March 12, 2-6 pm Westbrock Funeral Home, 5980 Bigger Road, Kettering. Mass will be celebrated Monday, March 13, 10:30 am St. Charles Church, Kettering. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hospice of Dayton.


Please disregard the advertisement to send flowers. The family requests donations to Hospice of Dayton.