Mary Power Strain, 91, passed away Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at St. Tammany Parish Hospital.

She was born in Medford, Mass., on Nov. 29, 1924. She married James R. Strain of Bogalusa in 1946 and was a mother of five children, grandmother of 10 and great-grandmother of 10.

Mary was an active member at Annunciation Catholic Church, where she served on the Parish Council, served as a Eucharistic Minister; was a member of the Legions of Mary, and was awarded the Order of St. Louis medallion; the highest honor for a layperson in the church.

Mary graduated from St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Nursing School in Boston. After her children were raised, she continued her career and worked at the Washington Parish Charity Hospital until her retirement.

Mary was loved by many family members and friends, who remember her as being a great conversationist, a devoted Catholic, a wonderful mother and genuinely sweet lady.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Caroline Power, as well as her brother Joe Power, and sister, Rita McDonald. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James Ralph Strain and second husband, Edward Brewster Dittmer.

She is survived by her children, Jim Strain (Martha), Carolyn Payne (Frank), MaryAnn Talbert, George Strain (Donna) and Steven Strain (Maureen); grandchildren, Melissa Roden (David), Morgan Strain, Emily Leidner (Landry), Katie Holden (Cody), Leah Bennett (Brandon), David Strain, Matthew Strain, Rebecca Payne, Camille and Claire Strain; special niece, Veda Ann Matthews (Eddie) and grandniece, Meredith Matthews; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at Annunciation Catholic Church in Bogalusa, on Saturday, March 19, beginning with the rosary at 10 a.m. followed by Mass at 1 p.m. with Rev. Father Daniel Brouillette officiating. Interment will follow at Ponemah Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the Annunciation Catholic School Flood Relief Fund.

Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

To view and sign the register book, visit online at pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.