Passed peacefully, but unexpectedly at the Health Sciences Centre on Wednesday, February 22, 2017, Essie Howell, aged 83 years. Predeceased by her husband Jim and brother Ray. Leaving to mourn her daughters: Janice Power (Hubert) and Patsy Spurgeon (Bob); son Perry (Wanda); grandchildren: Kevin Power, Robbie Spurgeon (Jennifer), Kristina Mahoney (Jonathan), Jillian Spurgeon (Andrew Rice), Jennifer Spurgeon and Kimberly Power; great-grandchildren: Nathan Spurgeon and Harley Mahoney; Samson and Kean family; special friends: Paul and Bernice; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at Barrett's Funeral Home, 73 Commonwealth Ave. on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 and on Saturday from 10-12 noon. Funeral service will be held from Barrett's Chapel on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 2 pm. Interment will follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Flowers gratefully accepted or donations in Essie's memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. To sign the online memorial guest book, please visit www.barretts.ca.