Waterford – Astrea S. Hupfel, “Stree,” 84, of Waterford, passed away peacefully at home Monday, June 13, 2022. She was born on Mare Island, Calif., the daughter of Rear Admiral William Bernard and Ruth M. Sieglaff.
She was married to W. Mott Hupfel Jr., who passed away in 2012. Stree and Mott shared a great love, and blended their families with care and intention. Favorite activities included golf, fly fishing, reading the paper together, lively debates and travel. Astrea was previously married to Ralph A. Powers Jr.; and they had three children.
Astrea was a writer and lifelong learner who was active in the Waterford community, having served on the Waterford RTM. While raising her young children, she was a hard-working community volunteer in the New London area, working for several local charities. A Wellesley graduate, Class of ’59, she processed at the Wellesley graduation ceremony in 1979, after returning to college to finish her degree.
The Women’s Movement and Nuclear Freeze Movement of the 70s sparked a passion in Astrea for political activism and involvement. She marched in Washington D.C. and locally (often with her children), wrote many letters to the Editor of The Day newspaper, volunteered on political campaigns and corresponded regularly with her elected representatives. In recent years, she was determined to learn as much as she could about Black American history and experiences and participated in anti-racism work through the All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation in New London.
In addition to her activism, Astrea will be remembered for her artistry, exemplified in her unique home, gardens, flower arrangements and unfailing sense of style. A graceful swimmer, skier and dancer with an occasionally mischievous sense of humor, she frequently broke out into song (like her father before her) upon hearing a bit of lyric spoken by an unwitting accomplice. Her huge smile and warm hugs waiting for family and friends as they arrived at her front door, and her willingness to drop everything for her children will never be forgotten.
Astrea was an avid golfer who won the New London/Great Neck Country Club championship in 1965 and 1966, was runner-up in 1967 and 2006, and most recently, in 2020, won the President’s Cup tournament. She was grateful to Katharine “Kay Kay” Powers for patiently teaching her the game. Astrea also frequently expressed her gratitude to many friends of Bill W. for helping her cultivate humility and honesty.
She is survived by her son Ralph A. Powers III (Ivana); her daughters, Kristin P. Harkness and Jennifer P. Ligeti (George); stepson W. Mott Hupfel III (Sara Goodman); and stepdaughter Allison H. Porter; her ten grandchildren: Katharine Astrea Van Egmond (Brett), Samantha Ligeti, Alexander Ligeti, Fenway Powers, Lilla Powers, Georgia Hupfel, Lilly Hupfel, William Porter, Sam Porter and Isabelle Porter (James); and her brother Peter M. Sieglaff. She was delighted to hold and play with her first great-grandchild last summer, Matilda, daughter of Isabelle and James.
A celebration of Astrea’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 9, at the Pequot Chapel, 857, Montauk Avenue, New London. Burial is private. Please visit www.byles.com to sign the guest book or share a memory with the family.
Published by The Day on Jun. 19, 2022.
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