Early years (1905-1936)

Jessica Powers was born on February 7, 1905 in Mauston, Wisconsin, the third child to John Powers and Delia Trainer Powers. By the time Jessica had turned 13, she lost both her older sister and father. She graduated from Mauston High School in 1922 and attended Marquette University for a year studying journalism. She then worked in Chicago before returning to care for her family after the death of her mother from 1925 to 1936.

Carmelite community (1941-1988)

After spending time in New York, Powers decided to enter the Pewaukee, Wisconsin community of the Carmel of Mother of God, as a postulant on June 24, 1941. On April 25, 1942, she received the habit of the Carmelites and was given the religious name of Sister Miriam of the Holy Spirit. She served until 83 years of age, until suffering a stroke and dying on August 18, 1988.

The papers of Jessica Powers are held at Marquette University Special Collections and University Archives. The collection includes her correspondence (mostly letters received), handwritten and typescript drafts of poems, scrapbooks of her poetry and other writings, copies of her books,and writings about her. Notable correspondents included August Derleth, Raymond E. F. Larsson, Robert F. Morneau, and Regina Siegfried.