Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

Rebecca Ann Powell, 69, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, passed away on April 18, 2026.

Rebecca was known by many names throughout her life - Rebecca, Becky, Beck, Mom, Ma, Mama Reebs, and simply Reebs —each one spoken by someone who loved her. No matter what they called her, she was the same unforgettable person: strong-willed, opinionated, nurturing, dependable, caring, and endlessly full of life. She made life feel fuller, louder, warmer, and more fun. If Rebecca was around, things were handled -and usually with style, laughter, and a story to go with it.

Raised in Landover, Maryland, Rebecca grew up in a lively family alongside her seven siblings. Family was the center of her world, and she carried that loyalty, humor, and closeness into every chapter of her life.

Rebecca built a career rooted in helping others, spending many years working for nonprofit organizations including the Epilepsy Foundation and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), where she dedicated more than two decades of service. Most recently, she was with DRi Consulting for six years. She was admired for her fierce work ethic, reliability, and the way she turned coworkers into lifelong friends. Though she occasionally mentioned retirement, those who knew her knew she loved having purpose, staying busy, and having a reason to put on a cute outfit and her "lips" every day.

She spent much of her adult life in Bowie, Maryland, before settling on her beloved "family farm" in Upper Marlboro, where she built a home and lived for more than twenty years as direct neighbors with her sister. She loved the peaceful view of the barn, the sunsets behind it, and sitting outside in her circle, soaking it all in with a rum and diet coke in hand.

Above all else, Rebecca loved her family. She is survived by her daughters, Tristen Dieffenbach and Nikki Cagle, and son-in-law Tom Cagle. She was a devoted grandmother to Ranger and Sawyer Cagle, lovingly known by her as "Rangy Dangy" and "Beanie," as well as Taylor Cheek, Jackie Cheek, Jagger Witten, Haven Crawford, and Daphne Crawford. She also shared love and family ties with Tracey and Brady Cheek, Tuesdi Knight, and Misty and Jason Crawford.

She is survived by her siblings Stanley Powell, Brenda Lilly, Stephen Powell, Robert Powell, John Powell, Lindaree Pavel, and Doug Powell. She was preceded in death by her parents, June and Robert Powell.

Rebecca was known for being up for anything and was there for everything. She loved an all-day shopping trip, dinner and margaritas, cheering from the stands at her grandkids' sporting events, Sunday spaghetti dinners, late-night catch-up phone calls, and finding the perfect gift "on her travels." She spoiled the people she loved, decorated joyfully for every holiday (especially Christmas) and always had an idea for some fun outing no one else would have thought of.

She was always "piddlin" - her word for tidying up, doing dishes, straightening the house, or finding little things that needed doing. It was rare to see her truly sit still for long. She was the engine of the home, and when she was in it, the house felt busy, happy, comforting, and under control.

An avid sports fan, she went from playing ball growing up (as a right handed-pitcher in softball, even though she was left-handed), to watching ball -whether it was the Commanders on TV or cheering on her grandkids from the stands. She recently got to carry the American flag onto the field at the start of the Commanders game on Christmas day, and when you looked over at her she looked like a giddy kid, beaming with pride.

Rebecca had a playful side that made her unforgettable. She could be strict and routine one day, then announce cake for breakfast the next. She often caved to whatever the grandkids wanted, and was so hands-on with any activity or craft they wanted to do. She was youthful and whimsical, and had a great sense of humor in that she didn't mind being laughed at. Her daughters lovingly teased her about her many "Reebisms", and her sweet giggle was one of the sounds her family will miss most.

When life became difficult, Rebecca was the one who showed up first. She knew what needed to be done, took charge when others couldn't, and followed up with food, flowers, gifts, notes, and love. She had a way of carrying people through hard moments. Her family especially wishes she were here now to guide them through this one.

Rebecca would want to be remembered for loving deeply, working hard, showing up, celebrating life, and making ordinary days more fun than they had any right to be.

She was one of a kind. And for everyone lucky enough to know her, by whatever name they called her, life will never sound quite the same without her voice in it.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Rebecca's life on Monday, April 27 from 4 to 7 PM at the Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road Edgewater, MD 21037, where her Memorial Service will be held the following day on Tuesday, April 28 at 11 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the <a href="https://www.alz.org/?form=FUNDHYMMBXU">Alzheimer's Association</a> in memory of her mother, June Powell.

Online condolences can be made using the Memories tab on this page. 

Rebecca Powell

Rebecca Powell

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