HOWLETT, HELEN JOAN
On May 10th 2016, during the "Month of our Mother", a faithful devotee of Our Blessed  Virgin, Helen Joan Howlett, departed from this life, surrounded by loving daughters, daughter-in-law, siblings, grandchildren, great grandchildren,  nieces, nephews and special friends.  Her sudden death followed the recent departure of her eldest son Joseph. Joan was born on November 23rd 1932, in Saint John, she was the daughter for the late Joseph and Ena (Higgins) McBriarty. For 61 years Joan devoted her life to her late husband, Ralph Howlett and her family.
She was all about faith, family, friends and fun. Joan was the greatest love of her adoring husband, a mom to many,  a teacher who took kids home, a card shark, a red hatter,  a dressing up dancer, a giver, a supporter of every cause, a faithful servant,  a catechist,  a tremendous friend, a visitor of the sick,a comforter of the grieving, a supporter of orphans and refugees, a traveler, a social butterfly, a listener, a smiling face, a light hearted and full of laughter lady, a special aunt, a feisty  sister, a spoiled daughter, a supportive fun loving wife. But... most of all, Joan was the mother to seven kids, a "wolf pack" as Gig says, a grandmother and great grandmother... she lived by example showing us all how to live life to the fullest, to care for and support each other, to be thoughtful and to keep the faith.
Joan was a school teacher for over 30 years before retiring in 1992.  She was an active member of St. Bridget’s Church, the N.B.R.T.A, Peninsula Seniors, and The Stork Card Club which has been running for over 50 years. She loved being involved in T.O.P.S. and the Red Hatters
Joan is survived by her daughters Rosemary Pitt (Gary) of Long Reach, NB, Judith Gamble (Gary) of Summerville, NB, Karen Jones (Thane) of Long Reach, NB, Denise Howlett (Gig Kierstead) of Erbs Cove, NB, Francine Baxter (Bill) of Summerville, NB; daughter-in-law Cathy Howlett of Summerville, NB; Susan Coleman of Hampton, partner of the late Joe Howlett; brother Denis McBriarty (Michelle) of Florida; sister Mary Gillen of Saint John; 21 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews and friends.  
Besides her parents, Joan was predeceased by her husband Ralph Howlett, sons Christopher and Joseph Howlett, brother Jack McBriarty and granddaughter Hannah Marie Jones.
Arrangements are under the direction of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424) with visitation being held on Friday, May 13th from 2 to 8 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial for Joan and her recently deceased son Joe Howlett will take place from St. Peters Catholic Church on Saturday, May 14th at 1 p.m. followed by an interment at St. Bridget’s Cemetery.  
Donations in Joan’s memory may be made to The Diabetes Association, St. Bridget’s Building Fund, Alzheimer’s Society, Benin Orphanage Foundation or to the charity of the donor’s choice.  
To send a message of condolence please visit www.fundyfuneralhome.com