DARTMOUTH — Conkie Howland of South Dartmouth passed away on April 12, 2014 at Autumn Glen in North Dartmouth. She was 97 years old.
Conkie was born in Fairhaven, September 11, 1916, the oldest daughter of Floyd Francis Cary and Ann Tripp Cary. Her Father was the head glass and silver designer at Pairpoint Glass. She taught kindergarten at Friends Academy and then became the Librarian. For many years she ran and owned the Packet in South Dartmouth. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved life, and lived it to the fullest. She survived two devoted husbands.
Conkie is survived by her daughter, Susan Francis Whelan and her husband Peter of Dartmouth; her son, Cary Bradford Francis and his wife Helen (Tuffy) of Dartmouth; her grandchildren, Heather Francis Burke and her husband Sean of Middletown, RI; Sarah Francis of Newton, MA; Kia Whelan Veltkamp and her husband Brad of Rock Hill, SC; Peter Francis Whelan of Rye, NY and Samuel Carter Francis Ancona of Lynchburg, VA. Five great-grandchildren, Mason, William and Luke Ancona; Jack and Katilyn Veltkamp. Four stepchildren Craigin Howland and his wife Janice of Punta Gorda, FL; Mark Howland and his wife Nita of Marion, MA; Laura Latici and her husband Steve of Gilmanton, NH and Christopher Howland and his wife Mary of Enfield, CT.
She was predeceased by her first husband Sydney Vincent Francis; and her son Samuel Carter Francis; her sisters Barbara Cary Ferguson and Janet Cary Sipp; and brother Thomas Tripp Cary. Conkie was a widow for 38 years and at 82 she married the wonderful and kind Robert Stone Howland who died 9 years ago. They were a magical couple and brought joy to all that knew them.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust, The New Bedford Whaling Museum or the New Bedford Glass Museum. A memorial service will be held later in the summer.
Arrangements are with the Wilson Chapel, 479 County Street, New Bedford, MA