Joyce A. Howard

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Joyce A. Howard, 64, of Shrewsbury and formerly of Auburn, on Friday, October 3, 2025.
Joyce was born in Worcester, raised and educated in Auburn, daughter of the late Richard L. "Skip" Howard and Mary (Fiorentino) Howard. She was a graduate of Auburn High School, Class of 1979, and Quinsigamond Community College where she received a degree in Bioscience and Technology. She also attended Bryant College for further studies. Joyce worked in the Bioscience Pharmaceutical Industry before becoming a Senior Quality Assurance Specialist.
Joyce leaves her siblings: June Contois and her husband Robert, of Worcester, Richard Howard and his wife Paula Guerin-Howard, of Charlton, Karen Mulhearn and her husband Brian, of Worcester; her cherished nieces and nephews: Jill Greene, of Dudley, Robert Contois, 111, of Northbridge, Danielle Contois, of Roslindale, Aimee Moen, Brian Mulhearn, and Ashley Mulhearn, all of Worcester; great-nieces and nephews, Taya Greene, of Dudley, Robert Contois, IV, of Northbridge, Julian Smigowski, and Jordan Smigowski, both of Roslindale. She was sadly predeceased by her best friend and cousin, Tina (Fiorentino) Howard, who passed in December.
Joyce loved classic rock music and attended many concerts. She loved her cats, sitting around family campfires, and mostly spending time with her beloved family. She especially loved spoiling her nieces and nephews rotten! She was definitely considered the "Cool Aunt" amongst her family. She will be fondly remembered for her kindhearted nature, her generosity, and her ability to help anyone who needed help. Joyce was truly a gentle and beautiful soul!
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Butter Flihh Farm Fund .
Joyce's family will be celebrating her life privately and burial will be held at Hillside Cemetery, with the assistance of the Britton-Wallace Funeral Home in Auburn.