HOWARD, Millicent Esther
HOWARD, Millicent Esther
Millicent Esther Howard (Barnett) passed away peacefully at Taunton Mills, Whitby, on Wednesday July 27, 2016, at the age of 92. Only daughter of Annie Salt and Arthur Barnett. Predeceased by her loving husband of 63 years, Walter James (Jim) Wilson Howard. Proud mother of Bob (Brenda McDowell), John (Beth Woodcock), and Kathy (Greg O’Regan), and devoted Nana Es to Ryan (Jill Christie), Tyler (Mairi Omand), and Kyle (Giselle) Howard, Lisa and Jaimie Howard, and John (Zosia Mackenzie) O’Regan. Delighted great grandma to Edith Layla Howard. Survived by her brother, Brian, sister-in-law Dorothy Barnett, and predeceased by her brother, Derek.
Esther was raised on a farm north of Bowmanville. During the war, she worked at General Motors as a comptometrist. She met her future husband there, when Jim returned from Burma. They married in 1947 and raised their three children in Oshawa. She wore many hats – cook, accountant, gardener, chauffeur, custodian, nurse, problem solver, and moral compass – with confidence and ease. She volunteered in her community with The Girl Guides, Meals on Wheels, The PTA, and Hospital Auxiliaries. Wherever Esther and Jim lived – Oshawa, Detroit and London – the church was a constant in their lives. Choirs, committees, teas and bazaars filled her calendar, and her faith filled her spiritually. Christ Memorial Church of Oshawa has always been her anchor. Her family is especially grateful for the love and affection that the church family extended to Esther these last few years. Also, we are thankful for the steadfast support and gentle care of the staff at Taunton Mills, Whitby, where Esther resided the last 8 years. She will be deeply missed by all.
Family and friends are invited to call at McINTOSH-ANDERSON-KELLAM FUNERAL HOME LTD., 152 King Street East, Oshawa (905-433-5558) on Tuesday, August 2, 2016, from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. A service will be held at CHRIST MEMORIAL CHURCH, 81 Hillcroft Street (at Mary Street North) on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at 1:00 pm, with visitation from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to Christ Memorial Church (christchurchoshawa.org) would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences may be made at makfuneralhome.com.