Obituary of Mary Louise Howe

June 9, 1952 – Springhill, Nova Scotia

January 26, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that the family of Mary Louise Howe (nee Nelson) of Calgary, AB, announces her passing on Friday, January 26, 2024, at the age of 71. Born on June 9, 1952, in Springhill, NS, she was the daughter of the late Harold and Murial (nee Boran) Nelson.

Mary Louise spent her childhood in Springhill, NS, graduating from Springhill High School in 1970. In the fall of that year, she began attending Mount Allison University in Sackville, NB, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1973. She continued her studies at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, NS, receiving her Bachelor of Education degree in 1974. She started her teaching career in the fall of that year with the Springhill School Board.

On July 26, 1975, Mary Louise married Douglas Howe and moved from Springhill, NS, to Grand Bank, NL. In 1976, Mary Louise and Doug moved to Calgary, AB, where she continued her teaching career with the Calgary Board of Education until her retirement in 2007.

Mary Louise was known for her dedicated friendships. Her friends from childhood remained close to her throughout her life and those friendships were deeply cherished. She brought warmth and humour to countless friends and family near and far. She was a devoted wife and mother. When summer vacation came around, Mary Louise would take the children to visit her parents at their cottage near Pugwash, NS. Time at the beach was a great joy to Mary Louise. It was where she enjoyed time with both family and friends.

Mary Louise will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Doug, daughter, Kimberly Howe (Jeremy Resch) and their two children, Evelyn and Amelia, of Calgary, AB; son, David (Paige) Howe of Calgary, AB; brother, Barry (Dorothy) Nelson of Thunder Bay, ON, and their daughter, Karen (Keith) Hamilton of Guelph, ON; sister-in-law Sandra (Alan) Colwell of Saint John, NB, and their children, Shawnee (Peter) Robinson of Berryton, NB, and Timothy Colwell of Saint John, NB.

Mary Louise was predeceased by her loving parents, Harold and Muriel (Boran) Nelson of Springhill, NS; and father and mother-in-law, Reginald and Edna (nee Hart) Howe of Sussex, NB.

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Mark Sosnowski for his care over the last four years.

A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held at a later date. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Mary Louise’s family here.

In living memory of Mary Louise Howe, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.