Nancy Howatt

1927 - 2013

Nancy Elizabeth Howatt, RD, 86

NATICK - Nancy Elizabeth Howatt, RD, 86, long time resident of Natick, MA, died suddenly and unexpectedly, with her husband at her side, Thursday October 3, 2013 at the North Adams Regional Hospital on her way to a fraternal visitation. Nancy was born in Bridgeport, CT on March 27, 1927 a daughter of the late Maynard Newcomb and Elsie Newcomb-Janes.

Nancy graduated from Waltham High School and attended Simmons College. She transferred to Ohio Wesleyan University and graduated with a Bachelors in Home Economics. Nancy trained at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital (Boston) where she acquired the skills she needed to pursue her career in dietetics and she became a Registered Dietitian with the American Dietetic Association. Among her first positions were Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and the Harvard University football team as their dietitian. She was the President and owner of Consulting Dietician Service, Inc., which was the first corporation legally established in Massachusetts by a woman, for dietetic consulting.

Nancy was a member of the Fisk Memorial Methodist Church in Natick, MA, and Natick Women's Club. She was the Past Regent of the Amos Mills-Lucy Jackson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Nancy was a superb cook and loved to travel. She traveled extensively throughout her life with her husband. Whether it was navigating their boat up and down the New England coast or on a cruise ship, Nancy was ready to go and always planning the next trip. Many days you could find her at her desk where she penned cards or notes of encouragement to friends and family. Her Christmas list once topped over 600 cards. Nancy loved watching sports, especially all the professional Boston teams. She coached all the teams from her recliner with enthusiasm. Nancy will be missed most for her infectious laugh. In a crowded room, you could always find her for her joy to laugh. There will always be her laugh.

Nancy's life was centered around her family, friends and many people she met through fraternal organizations . Her fraternal appointments included: Past Queen of Oppela Temple #50 Daughters of the Nile (Boston/Wilmington), Past President of Social Order of the Beauceant #209, (Natick, affiliated with Pawtucket Assembly #217), Past Worthy Advisor of the Waltham Chapter and Past Grand Immortality of International Order of Rainbow.

Nancy recently celebrated 60 years as a member of the Order of the Eastern Star of Massachusetts which began in 1951 when she was initiated into Electa Chapter (Waltham). Her Eastern Star honors included: Appointed Grand Esther (1976), Elected Associate Grand Conductress (1977), Grand Conductress (1978), Associate Grand Matron (1979) and Elected Worthy Grand Matron (1980-81). Nancy was a dual member of Palestine Chapter, #114 (Newtonville), Past Matron of Aurora Chapter #9, 1973-1974, (Natick) with her Husband Bob serving as her Worthy Patron. Nancy also had honorary membership in many Eastern Star Chapters in Massachusetts and other states. General Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star appointments included; Ambassador to Aruba (2006-2009), Shriners Hospital committee, (2000-2003) and Bobbi's Best Friend appointment by the Most Worthy Grand Matron, Sister Bobbi White.

Mourning her loss is her husband of 59 years, Robert A. Howatt, her son Kenneth R. Howatt and his wife Kathy Light, her grandson Brock and daughter Diane Howatt of Houston TX, as well as many extended family members. Nancy was predeceased by her son Ben Howatt and two brothers Edward and Richard Newcomb. According to her wishes, there will not be calling hours, but friends and family are welcome to celebrate her life at a memorial service on Saturday, October 26, 2013. An Eastern Star service will start at 1:30 pm followed by a celebration of life ceremony at 2:00 pm. Both will be conducted at Fisk Memorial United Methodist Church, 106 Walnut Street, Natick, MA, 01760, 508-653-1674. Memorial donations may be made in Nancy's memory to an educational scholarship fund she created, payable to: Grand Chapter of Massachusetts OES and mail to: Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, P.O. Box 600583, Newtonville, MA, 02460-0006. In the check memo please reference "Believer Scholarship Fund".