MARY HOWE

Mary Louise Howe Has gone to be with her closest friend, Jesus, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was a light to all who knew her and her faith in Christ was lived out with a transparency that drew many to Him. Her life truly reflected His love for each of us. She was a precious daughter, devoted wife, wonderful mother, loving grandmother, amazing sister, sweet aunt, loyal friend, artist, creator, entrepreneur, designer, inventor and visionary: a genuine Proverbs 31 woman. Mary was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin on August 3, 1949, and passed away on the 19th of March, 2011 in her home in Gig Harbor beside her husband Al at the age of 61. She was the oldest daughter in a family of ten children. Mary Lou, as her siblings and mother like to call her, has always been very full of life. As a young lady she created and designed clothing for her family, even selling doll clothes she had made when she was only ten-years-old. As a senior in high school she was the Prom Queen and in a local beauty pageant. Growing up in a large family, Mary Lou was responsible for all the baking and when she had a family of her own, loved to bake pies, cookies and especially make butter horns for them to enjoy. Her personal favorites were butter pecan ice cream and homemade donuts sprinkled with sugar. She loved to give her baked goods away just to bring a smile to others. While her children were young she ventured out and started her own business. She established her own company in the basement of her home called Custom Cloth Creations in Chicago Heights, Illinois. As her company grew, she had a factory in South Holland, Illinois and employed many women to produce her hair towel design being sold in the Neiman Marcus catalog, Nordstrom stores and other stores across the country. In addition, she was a gifted decorator and loved interior design. Her homes were warm and welcoming and reflected her love for detail, and at one point she designed and contracted a beautiful home for her family. Mary spent the last five plus years of her career with Sleep Country USA, a company she loved and served; her larger family. We thank them for the wonderful support they've been throughout Mary's illness. Mary met Al, her husband in September, 2004. They were married June 27, 2009 and their relationship truly is an incredible Love Story. Mary brought five children, Al brought four and a new family was born, filled with love, understanding and the spirit of Christ. She put the finishing touches on his newly remodeled house and it became a home, a home soon filled with the laughter and warmth of family and friends. When Mary and her husband discovered she had pancreatic cancer in January of 2010, clouds threatened, but her smile denied them access and the warmth remained. Her heart seemed to grow even wider and those who came to comfort found themselves comforted. Mary was all about others and The Lord, through prayer and a few incredible doctors gave her nearly fourteen more months to touch others with His love. She was determined to live a full life and she did, but she was committed to the quality, not quantity of days and God blessed that last year of her life. She filled it with her church family (her other great love,), His Word, lots of fun, plenty of opportunities to be with family and friends, and a lot of special times with Al. Mary, you were so special...Our loss, but we rejoice with you in your new home with your great Love, Jesus... Mary is survived by her husband Alvah Howe, her mother Jane, her brothers Ed, Mark, Tom, John and Francis, her sisters Sue, Ann and Jane, her children Amie, Andrew, Adam, Vanessa and Zachary, her step-children Nina, Brendan, Naomi and Melody, her grandchildren Eva, Jordan, Ben, Gavin, Layla, Hayden, Harper and Kaden, her step-grandchildren Colin and Sadie, many nieces and nephews and several dear friends. She was preceded in death by two infant sons, Alex and Ben whom she is with now in Heaven. Our special thanks to our family at Journey Church and their pastor, Byron O'Neil for their wonderful support and help in all the small things. To two of her great friends, Sonja and Kathryn for their visits, encouragement and companionship. To Sleep Country USA, all of her family there, help and guidance. To St. Anthony's Hospital's staff, so loving and kind. To Dr. Frank Senecal for his warmth, skill and guidance on this long journey; and Franciscan Hospice, Betty, for being there at the finish line. A celebration of Mary's life will be held at Chapel Hill Church Saturday, April 2nd, 2011, at 11am, 7700 Skansie Ave. N.W., in Gig Harbor, WA. Please make donations in Mary's name to Pancreatic Cancer Research, www.pancan.org .