Muriel A. Howard

MIDDLEBORO Muriel A. (Masse) Howard, age 80 years, of Middleboro, died Monday, Nov. 10, 2008, at the Life Care Center, Raynham, after a lengthy illness. She was the wife of the late Clayton L. Howard, who predeceased her May 16, 1993. She was born in New Bedford, daughter of the late Leon and Marie (Luce) Masse. She was a retired licensed practicing nurse at the former Lakeville Hospital and St. Luke's Hospital, Middleboro. She was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church, Middleboro. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren, her home and reading. Survivors include one son, Douglas M. Howard of Buzzards Bay; one daughter, Diane Roberio of Middleboro; two sisters, Jeanette Seddon of Connecticut and Claire Vera of Dartmouth; two sisters-in-law, Mildred Dias and Marilyn DeMoranville; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. She was mother of the late David M. Howard and sister of the late Phillip Masse and Connie Pye. Visiting hours, to which relatives and friends are invited to attend, will be held Wednesday, Nov. 13, from 6-8 p.m., in the Ashley Funeral Home, 35 Oak St., Middleboro. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Sacred Heart Church, 340 Centre St., Middleboro, Thursday, at 10 a.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory to Beacon Hospice, 45 North Main St., Fall River, MA 02720, or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312, would be appreciated. For more info, please visit www.eggerandashleyfh.com.