Jane Powell

Birth Name: Suzanne Lorraine Burce

Date of Birth: April 1, 1929

Place of Birth: Portland, Oregon, U.S.

Date of Death: September 16, 2021

Place of Death: Wilton, Connecticut, U.S.

Ethnicity: English, Northern Irish, Scottish, possibly other

Jane Powell was an American actress, singer, and dancer. Known for her performances in musicals of the 1940s and 1950s and “girl next door” persona, her roles included the films A Date with Judy, Royal Wedding (1951), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954), Hit the Deck, The Female Animal, and Enchanted Island (1958); television’s The Love Boat and Growing Pains; and stage productions. She had a soprano voice. She spent time as a vocalist for musical group Pink Martini.

Jane was the daughter of Eileen and Paul Emerson Burce, who managed an apartment building. She was the Oregon Victory Girl when she was twelve, before moving to California for her roles. Jane was married to actor Dickie Moore, until her death. She had two children with her former husband, figure skater Gearhardt Anthony Steffen; and a daughter with her former husband, car dealer Patrick W. Nerney.

Jane’s paternal grandfather was John Logan Burce (the son of Charles E. Burce and Frances M. Powers). John was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Frances was the daughter of Andrew Reed Powers and Mary Jane Howard.

Jane’s paternal grandmother was Nellie Louisa Wrigglesworth (the daughter of William Arthur Wrigglesworth and Emma Louise Boomer). Nellie was born in Westminster, Prescott and Russell United Counties, Ontario, Canada. William was the son of English parents, George Wrigglesworth, from West Yorkshire, and Isabella France. Emma was the daughter of William Richard Boomer, whose father was a Methodist preacher, and whose mother was born in Ireland; and of Sarah Ann MacKindsey.

Jane’s maternal grandfather was surnamed Baker.

Sources: Genealogies of Jane Powell (focusing on her father’s side) – https://www.geni.com
https://www.findagrave.com