SOUTH DARTMOUTH — Mary W. Howland, 88, of South Dartmouth, died peacefully at home July 2, 2012, surrounded by her family.
Mary was born in Bridgeport, Conn. in 1924 to Fred Wigglesworth and Charlotte Brown Wigglesworth. She attended schools in LaGrange, Illinois.
In 1944, Mary moved to South Dartmouth where she met and married Allan B. Wing, grandson to the founder of C.F. Wing Co. Department Store in New Bedford. In 1968, Mary married Francis A. Howland who predeceased her in 2000.
Mary loved the beach, all animals, being especially fond of cats, dogs and elephants. Always ready for a new experience and endlessly curious, she rarely declined an invitation whether it be for a weekend of theater in New York, a trip to Salvadors for ice cream or a ride in a hot air balloon. Mary kept regular lunch dates with her longtime friends Marion, Gladys and Marie. The foursome traveled world wide together.
Though diminutive in size one would be mistaken to imagine her small physical presence as a reflection of her strong inner core, her stamina, her courage and her enormous spirit. A six-time cancer survivor, Mary was fierce in her determination to squeeze every bit of life out of whatever time remained.
Mary is survived by her daughter Janet A. Wing, her son, Allan B. Wing, Jr. (Barry), his partner Frank Lee Barringer and her favorite canine companion, Goldie, all of South Dartmouth.
Graveside services are private. A celebration of Mary's life will be announced at a later date.
The family is grateful to the caregivers Dana, Andrea L., Helen, Leonor, Lisa, Andrea F., Cassie and others who worked tirelessly, with respect and loving personal attention to keep Mary comfortable at home these past several months.
Gifts in Mary's memory can be made to the Elephant Sanctuary, PO Box 393, Hohenwald, TN 38462, www.elephants.com or Habitat for Cats, PO Box 79571, No. Dartmouth, MA 02747.