New Bedford – Shirley Howard, age 93, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at St. Luke’s Hospital. Mrs. Howard was the beloved wife of the late Asaph E. Howard. She was born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Eva M. (Barnett) and the late John H. Parker. Shirley was a graduate of New Bedford High School and worked as a Cafeteria Worker for the Polaroid Corporation. She loved to play bingo at the Acushnet Center; she also loved animals, ice cream, chocolates and all the sweet things in life, especially her family.
Her survivors include her 2 children: Nancy Costa of New Bedford and James W. Howard husband of Joanne of Ft. Myers, FL; 3 grandchildren: Kristine Costa, Valerie Ferreira both of New Bedford and Jill Shelton of Ft. Myers, FL; 3 great-grandchildren: Brandon Ferreira, Kaylee and Taylor Manssuer as well as several nieces and nephews.
Shirley was the mother of the late John Elliot Howard and sister of the late Everett Parker.
Visiting hours will be on Monday, August 5th from 6-8 P.M. at the Perry Funeral Home 111 Dartmouth St. New Bedford, MA. In accordance with her wishes Shirley will be cremated. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to a charity of your choice.