Marilyn A. Howell

1937 - 2021

Marilyn A. Howell
July 12, 1937 - march 18, 2021
Westtown, NY
Marilyn Ann Howell of Westtown, NY passed away at home peacefully with her daughters by her side. She was born July 12, 1937 in New York City, the only child of Helen and Edward Carroll. In 1955 she graduated from Cathedral High School and married William Herrick four years later at Good Shephard Church in Inwood. Marilyn, Bill and their three girls moved from Inwood to Westtown in 1971, to a home where Marilyn lived for all the remaining years of her life. Bill Herrick passed away in 1981. Marilyn was blessed to find love again with Thomas Howell with whom she enjoyed 25+ years of marriage until Tom's death in 2010. She is survived by her three daughters and nine grandchildren: Carol LaGoy of New Paltz, (Brandon, Matthew and Erin), Laura and Dwight Healey of Goshen (Jason, Dylan and Connor) and Diane Herrick and Thomas Tombs of Rochester (Emily, Teigen and Tessa).
Once her girls were enrolled in school, Marilyn went to work at the Patient Resource Offices of Middletown and Mid-Hudson Psychiatric Centers. After 20 years, she worked as the Radiology Department Secretary at OCCC, her alma mater having earned her Associates Degree in 1990. Marilyn was always an advocate for continuing education, often heard saying "once you have your education, no one can take it away."
Marilyn spent her retirement years enjoying her grandchildren. She put every effort into being present as each celebrated one of life's many milestones – births, Baptisms, 1st Communions, Confirmations, graduations, hockey events, recitals and birthdays. If she couldn't be with them in person on a birthday or other important event, a card from Grandma always arrived on time. She had a special connection with each of her grandchildren, made obvious when each shared a last good-bye with her. From heaven, she will be rooting for their every success and continued happiness.
Marilyn could light up a room with her smile and laughter. She loved music, dancing, and will always be remembered for her quick wit and sense of humor. Marilyn always made time to try something new - from learning tennis, learning the piano, wreath making, crocheting baby blankets, obtaining her real estate license, and becoming a certified referee with her best friend to make sure sports' were available to girls. Her kitchen was the place not only to cook, but also to talk, laugh, cry, and of course, dance. Her zest for life, her words of wisdom, her love and friendship will be missed.
Thank you to her wonderful caregivers; Bonnie Conklin, Jeanmarie Enderes, and Cindy Murtagh. Thank you to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan for the support and care they gave our mother during the last six months of her life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marilyn's name to Hospice of Orange and Sullivan, Orange County Office of the Aging, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or any charity of your choice.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 25 at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc., 130 Highland Ave., Middletown NY, 10940. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 26 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 190 Euclid Ave., Middletown, NY. Burial will be private. Arrangements are made under the direction of Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc. www.applebee-mcphillips.com