Marie E. Howe

Marie E Howe - A lifelong resident of Somerville, Marie passed away peacefully on December 2, 2024, at the age of 85. A beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, she touched the lives of many with her kindness, generosity, and unwavering spirit.

Marie was predeceased by her parents, William Howe of Cork and Amelia (McCauley) of Armagh, Ireland, and her brothers, John and Desmond Howe. She is survived by her brother, William Howe and his wife, Vicki, of Florida, as well as her sister-in-law, Sheila Howe, of Somerville.

Marie served as the Massachusetts State Representative for the 31st Middlesex District from 1965 to 1988. She was also a dedicated real estate agent in Somerville and served as a Justice of the Peace for many years.

Proud of her Irish Catholic heritage, Marie was a devout parishioner of St. Ann’s Parish, where she attended grammar school. She later graduated from Matignon High School and pursued legal studies at Suffolk University.

Marie was deeply committed to the betterment of Somerville, serving on the School Committee. She also had a lifelong love of adventure and travel, leaving her footprint on every continent.

In addition to her surviving family, she leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will miss her dearly.

As Massachusetts completes the celebration of Irish American Heritage Month and Women’s History Month in March, here’s a special shout-out to former Massachusetts State Representative Marie E. Howe, a notable Irish-American woman. 

A lifelong resident of Somerville, Howe was elected to the House of Representatives from the 31st Middlesex District, holding office from 1965 to 1988.  While in office, Marie also served on the Commerce and Labor, Rules, and Ways and Means Committees. She was instrumental in supporting a stronger Lemon Law to make sure consumers got fair treatment when purchasing automobiles.  

Marie was also a trailblazer in terms of women's equality.  In April 1975, Representative Howe and State Representative Lois Pines served as co-chairs of the newly formed Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, during a time when there were 16 women total in the House and Senate.  

Today there are more than 60 legislators in the Massachusetts Caucus of Women. Among the pressing issues of that time was the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment in Massachusetts, and more locally, the right of women to have equal pay, equal opportunities and equal decision-making duties at the State House.

Representative Howe’s longstanding commitment to peace and justice in Northern Ireland is one of the hallmarks of her illustrious career. The daughter of Irish immigrants from Cork and Armagh, Howe objected to the poor treatment of Northern Ireland nationalists at the hands of the British Government during the 1970s and 1980s and was quick to protest against British officials who came to town, including a visit from the Royal Family and a visit of a British Tall Ship.  She worked closely with Amnesty International and local groups concerned about the Northern Ireland troubles. In 1979 she introduced a House Resolution calling upon the Governor to declare March 17 as Human Rights Day in Ireland.

Howe was also a strong supporter of human rights in Sri Lanka, and in 1981 filed a resolution on behalf of Sri Lanka Tamils living in Somerville.

Marie Howe’s papers from her legislative career are at the Massachusetts State Library in the State House.  The papers in the collection consist primarily of correspondence relating to her official duties in the legislature, as well as materials on Northern Ireland and Sri Lanka and her investigation into problems on the MBTA red line. 

Visiting hours for Marie will be held Tuesday morning, December 10, 2024, in St. Ann Church, 399 Medford St. Somerville from 9:00am to 11:00am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00. Relatives and friends invited. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marie’s memory to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306 (T2T.org).