Thelma Audrey Howie
Born In: Port Caledonia
Born: August 20th, 1923
Passed in: Glace Bay
Passed on: December 25th, 2015
We the family of Audrey Howie, age 92 are deeply saddened to announce mom’s passing on the Dec. 25, 2015. Mom passed peacefully surrounded by her children at Seaview Manor in Glace Bay.
Born in Port Caledonia on Aug. 20, 1923, she was the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Boutilier) MacLeod.
A true believer in her faith, she was a lifelong member of St. Luke’s Anglican Church. As the youngest of seven children; mom spent her formative years assisting her mother in caring for her older siblings as they set out to work, an initiative that would begin a lifelong period of giving. She worked at the Peoples Store in Glace Bay for a short time.Prior to her marriage, she was a dedicated Red Cross Volunteer during the war effort, caring for our returning soldiers. Later, mom married a young Air Force Officer and Second World War veteran, Arthur Mansfield Howie, a young and future professional for the federal government. This launched a 49-year career as a loving supportive spouse and dedicated mother to her eight children. Throughout her life, mom was a devoted wife, outstanding mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Far too early in his life, dad passed away on Jan. 18, 1997. Up until 2013, mom remained a vibrant independent woman who was overly supportive of her family.
Aside from dad and her parents, mom was predeceased by her siblings, Clyde (Margaret), George (Sarah), Henry (Isabelle), Sam, Hilda (Drury) and Stella (Duke). She was also predeceased by two grandchildren, Terrance Keith and James Richard who both passed away in infancy.
Mom will be sadly missed by her children, Arthur (Brenda), Terry (Susan), Adrian (Carol Ann), Wayne (Melissa), Jimmy (Marilyn), Cheryl (Scott Little), Denise (Ron) and Brian (Barb). She is further survived by her 19 grandchildren, Arthur, Stephen, Allison, Andrew, Christopher, Daniel, Shannon, Kristy, Meghan, Ashley, Breagh, Jamie, Brittany, Jason, Mitchell, Vanessa, Corey, Jessica and Chelsea. Also surviving are her 11 great-grandchildren, Lucas, Madeline, Benjamin, Claire, Maria, Anna, Macey, Jackson, Samuel, Noah and Roman.
We would be remiss if we didn’t recognize the care, support and friendship she received from her friends and neighbours of over 50 years, Mr. and Mrs. Rene and Gallia Halden. The words, 'Thank You' just can’t illuminate how much we appreciate you both and everything you did for mom. You are truly special friends.
Thank you to the staff of the Glace Bay General Hospital and Special Thanks to her long time care provider, Dr. Gallivan. Since mom’s arrival at Seaview Manor, there was a noticeable change in her demeanor; the staff truly engaged mom’s sense of humour, gave her extraordinary care, and welcomed her as part of the Seaview Family, Thank you so much to both Dr. Ellecker’s who were paramount in her care at the Manor. Her happiness in the care provided by Seaview Manor was obvious and comforting to us. Very many thanks to Rev. Vern Reid for family support and services.
In life we all hope to have one guardian angel, our family was fortunate to have two; mom for how she cared for our family; and our sister, Denise who was a consummate care provider and best friend for our mom in our absence.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening from 7-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve St., Glace Bay. Funeral services will be held at St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Port Caledonia on Wednesday at 10 a.m., with burial in the parish cemetery. Reception to follow in the church hall.
As an expression of sympathy for mom, donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of N.S.
Online condolences to the Howie family are available through www.vjmcgillivray.ca.
Mom, we believe the length and beauty of an Angel’s wings is not symbolic of how well you have been loved, but more so of the amount of love, care, and companionship you have provided throughout your life. Mom, we have been fortunate to have you for so long, your wings will be absolutely magnificent. Spread your wings, fly free and ascend. After so many years, we are so happy you will be reunited with Dad.
We love and miss you both.
