Mary R. Howard

Newfane, VT – Mary R. Howard, 86, died Sunday evening, December 11th at her 'winter home' with her daughter and her partner. She was born in Putney, VT on January 18, 1925, to Clarence and Ruth (Robbins) Reed and was raised in Westminster West. She was proud to be a graduate of Hastings-on-Hudson High School, NY. She loved the city life and the culture it offered, but still returned to Vermont to marry her high school sweetheart, Wilmont F. "Willie" Howard, Sr. on August 23, 1944 after attending college for a brief time. Her husband of 60 years predeceased her in April of 2005. Mary had a strong work ethic and worked 17 years for the American Optical until their move and then went on to work at Fulflex and Green Mountain Orchards. For pleasure, she loved to cook and would easily put on a meal for several friends, one such memorable one was a Thanksgiving where she and Willie opened their house to some friends that had become single. She was known for her good home cooking. She also liked to garden, and although her ability lessened after Willie's death, she enjoyed that the tradition was continued with her daughter and partner. Even this past summer, she froze and pickled veggies grown in their garden. She was renowned for her pickles and her generosity with friends and family. Mom was a lifetime member of the America Legion Post 5 and the VFW Post 1034. Mary leaves two sons, Wilmont F. Howard, Jr., PhD. and his wife Mary of Jeffersonville, PA and James L. Howard of Putney; one daughter, Nancy A. Baker and her partner William Chase, of Newfane; one brother, Otis (Bud) Reed of Vernon, VT; three grandchildren, Sara Foster and husband John, Zachary Howard and wife Amanda, and Jesse Howard; and 4 great-grandchildren who were truly one of her greatest joys that provided wonderful bragging rights. She also dearly loved her grand cat, Moses, who lived in her 'winter home', kept her company and entertained her. Mary was predeceased by a sister and a brother, Eleanor and Edward Reed. It was Mary's wishes that there will be no calling hours, nor formal burial. A private burial will take place in the spring, at the convenience of all family members wanting to attend, in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Putney. Although roses were Mom's favorite, and make them red, in lieu of them memorial contributions can be made to Lydia Taft Pratt Library, P.O. Box 70, West Dummerston, VT 05357-0070, where during her weekly attendance the librarians took excellent care of her reading needs by often researching far and wide for something new for her. Cynthia and Melissa held a special place in her heart. Second choice for contribution is to the Putney Library, 55 Main Street, Putney, VT 05346, also a place important to her. It is the end of an era within our family, and with the passing of both Dad and now, Mom, we have lost much of the glue that brought us together. They will be sorely missed.