Celeste Howell

1965 - 2015

Howell, Celeste Jewel

Our precious and beautiful daughter, partner, sister, aunt and friend, Celeste Jewel Howell born January 9, 1965, was tragically taken from us on March 7, 2015 in Oakland, California. Born the youngest of four children, she brought joy, light and a special kind of love to all those who knew her. Celeste's bright smile and loving, giving nature will be missed so much that words just cannot express!

Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, Celeste was part of an Air Force family that traveled often before she became an Albuquerque resident . She graduated from Highland High School (1983) and earned a BA in Business Accounting from UNM in 1991. Among her many adventurous hobbies, she loved basketball, soccer, bike-riding, rock-climbing and soccer. She loved the outdoors but was not away from her beloved cats Roger and Otis for very long.

She had the honorable distinction of being accepted to the Air Force Academy, instead Celeste chose to serve in Mali (Africa) for two years on a humanitarian Peace Corps mission where she made a tremendous impact on many lives by starting an irrigation system for a village. She met and acquired many lifelong friends. We are so proud of Celeste for her service to the Peace Corps.

Celeste went on to attend and graduate from the Institute of Mosaic Art where she crafted beautiful art pieces. One such piece was featured on famous Ghirardelli chocolate wrappers. Celeste worked with a team in Haiti to bring art and color to a local children's hospital. Celeste was also an established custom jewelry artist whose custom pieces have sold and been displayed on her website and in popular art galleries.

Her family and friends were the essence of her life and she gave of herself every day through her thoughtfulness, giving and prayer to those around her. Celeste was intelligent, artistic, generous, loving, kind and beautiful. She will be missed!

Celeste was preceded in death by her father Harold E. Howell, Sr., SMS USAF retired. Celeste is survived by her mother Marie E. Howell of Albuquerque, New Mexico; her partner Brian C. Mason of Oakland, California; sister Cheryl A. Williams of Albuquerque, New Mexico; brother Harold E. Howell Jr. of Jacksonville, Florida and brother and sister-in-law Vernon M. and Elizabeth Howell of Washington D.C. Celeste's nieces and nephews include: Jason L. Howell, Angel M. Howell, Kia L. Williams, Harold E. Howell, III, Decia M. Howell, Shelby L. Howell, Brianna Ryan, Tiffany A. Howell, Lisa R. Howell, Jordan A. Boyden, Brady Howell, Christian Howell, Joshua Howell and Carlie Howell. She is also survived by her beloved cats Roger and Otis.

Memorial service and celebration of her life to be held at the Alumni Memorial Chapel located at the University of New Mexico Campus beginning 12:00 PM Saturday, March 21, 2015.