Helen Marie "Sontag" Howard

Helen Marie "Sontag" Howard obituary

Helen Marie "Sontag" Howard

Helen Howard Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Dahlborg-MacNevin Funeral Home on Aug. 27, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Helen Marie (Sontag) Howard, age 74, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed away on August 16, 2025, at Morton Hospital in Taunton, MA, following a long-term illness. Born on February 27, 1951, in Quincy, MA, she was the cherished daughter of the late Dorothy H. (Raymond) Sontag.

Helen was a proud resident of Lakeville, MA, where she built a life filled with love and devotion. She graduated with a bachelor's degree from Fisher College and established a successful career as a buyer in the shoe industry, dedicating herself to Knapp Shoe until her retirement in 1998.

Helen shared a wonderful life with her husband, Frederick Howard Jr. Together for 57 years and married for 55, their enduring love was a testament to their deep bond. Helen is also survived by her daughters, Kimberly McLellan and her husband Michael, and Dawn Harbeck. She was a devoted grandmother, affectionately known as Dop, to Matthew McLellan, Camden McLellan and his wife Olivia, Dylan Harbeck, and Rachel Harbeck, and a proud great-grandmother to Emmett and Rosemary McLellan.

A private memorial service to celebrate Helen's remarkable life will be held at a later date.

Helen Marie Howard will be remembered for her warmth, wisdom, and love for her family-qualities that touched the lives of all who knew her. She will forever remain in our hearts.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Helen Marie (Sontag) Howard, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Helen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Helen Howard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Helen Howard's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?