Dr. Erin Nicole Powers

Dr. Erin Nicole Powers passed away on the morning of Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois. In her final moments, she was surrounded by the warmth and support of her nearest and dearest. In Erin's own words, her focus was on making every moment count—filling her years with laughter, vitality, and unforgettable memories… “I’m not here for a long time, but I’m sure here for a GOOD time.”

She lived vivaciously for 42 years, cramming every ounce of life into those days and years. Her perspective on life and how to find joy in the mundane was an inspiration to those close to her and many, many others. Erin’s sphere of influence was infectious and inspirational; making friends and connections with her bright smile, relational personality and of course, her zip-zap-zesty wit.

Born on Saturday, July 28, 1984 to Bruce and Patricia “Pat” (Vaughn) Powers in Tiffin, Ohio, a quaint rural community in NW Ohio. Even when she was young, she viewed the world through a lens of profound wonder and curiosity. Erin was the youngest and a true Leo - independent, ambitious, fun-loving, fiercely loyal, at times bossy yet always generous and warm hearted.

A lifelong learner and avid reader, Erin remained open to new ideas throughout her life. She graduated from Tiffin Columbian High School in 2002, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in tennis and track. She also enjoyed her Dance classes. She held several degrees, including a B.A. in Psychology from Wright State University in 2006, a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology in 2010, and a Doctorate in Business Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2021. On May 12, 2021, she successfully defended her dissertation and became Dr. Erin Powers—no big deal, right? In the midst of a global pandemic and a recent diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer, she waded forward with clarity and determination, guided by a profound perspective of what she wanted from life.

Shortly after graduating with her bachelor's degree, Erin lived in Virginia for a short time, but decided to pursue her advanced degrees in Chicago. She then relocated to Chicago—the city where she truly built her life and made her home. There, she met her soulmate, John Schiller. Over their 15 years of marriage, they became a couple widely admired for their deep mutual respect, endless patience, support, and shared laughter. Together they encouraged one another in every season of life, enjoyed the deep appreciation of live music and traveled extensively internationally and domestically.

For the last 10 years, Erin worked and made an enormous impact at Alter Domus, an alternative investment servicing company with its U.S. headquarters located in Chicago. She held several roles at the Company, the last being an integral part of the HR function utilizing her business psychology doctorate. In each role her intelligence, indomitable spirit, and ability to connect with every individual bled through. She was a trusted teammate, a loyal colleague, and a source of encouragement for many. She will be missed greatly by the whole organization but especially her Chicago office family who had the privilege of working next to her for several years.

Even when faced with the gray shadow of a massive cancer diagnosis on March 4, 2019, Erin refused to let it dim her palette. For seven and a half years, she gave cancer a run for its money. She fought her illness with a fierce grace, appreciating every moment she was given. She was relentless—absolutely relentless—and always thought beyond herself, deeply humbled to have been given more time than so many others living with MBC.

Erin will be remembered for so much it is nearly immeasurable, especially her vibrant energy, her quick wit, and her uncanny ability to bring people together. She lived life to the absolute fullest, filling every room with warmth, laughter, and an unforgettable presence. Erin loved reading, catching countless musicals, (even some Broadway shows) with her Mom and friends, traveling, Mother/Daughter weekends, and many family gatherings.

She leaves behind a giant meadow of grieving but grateful hearts, her devoted husband and bestest friend, John Schiller; her parents, Bruce and Pat Powers; brothers, Andy and Adam Powers; in-laws, Mike and Char Schiller; sisters-in-law, Liz (Andy) Rawe, Jenn (Christopher) Stith; brother in law, Matt (Katie) Schiller; nieces, Abbey and Elaina Schiller; nephew, Ryan Schiller; aunts and uncles; special cousins; a vast circle of loving friends and an extended family that meant the world to her.  Also, Bubba, her cat, who was a big part of her life.

Join us for a Final Encore to Celebrate her Life and bring your favorite memories and a willingness to laugh, cry and maybe even sing, starting at noon Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Sew Hop’d, 1 Union Special Plaza, Suite 113, Huntley, IL 60142.

Additional Celebration of Life will be from 1 to 4 pm Saturday, October 17, 2026, at The Chandelier Community Event Center, 151 S. Washington St., Tiffin, OH 44883

Please consider making a donation to Metavivor.org, an organization that held a special place in her heart. Through this organization, Erin was an advocate for more research into Stage 4 MBC, OR Animalhouseshelter.com, a no-kill shelter that rescues and cares for homeless pets.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Erin’s doctors, nurses and care teams at Rush Medical Hospital and Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, the Pino Farina Band for bringing so much comfort and music, and all our family and friends near and far who have surrounded Erin and us with love.

To leave a message of love and support for Erin’s family, go to www.traunerofuneralhome.com.

Live your life fully, even when it’s hard.