Phyllis K. Howes, 86, of Mattapoisett died on March 25, 2019, peacefully, at home, embraced by her family’s love.
She was the wife of the late Bruce O. Howes, Sr.
Born to the late Gladys K. Ward and Melvin T Ward on November 17, 1932 in Natick, MA, Phyllis was raised in Stoughton, MA where she graduated from high school.
She then married and moved to West Springfield, MA where she had a very successful career with New England Telephone as a Drafting Manager, completed her college degree and raised her two children.
She is survived by her daughter, Lori Howes of Mattapoisett; her son, Bruce "Bo" Howes, Jr. and his companion Crystal Russell of Haverhill; 3 sisters, "Tudie" Caraviello and her husband Armand, of Ogunquit, ME, Faith Laporte and her husband Stephen of Majorca, Spain and Carol Jeannetti of Stoughton, She also leaves her 2 grandchildren whom she loved dearly, Gregory Howes and Lisa Howes; and also the gift of knowing a new great-grandson, Cylus Howes; She also leaves behind numerous loving nieces and nephews.
Phyllis and her family summered in Harbor Beach, Mattapoisett where she retired to in 1987.
Having the gift of an early retirement, Phyllis was able to enjoy her passions in life. She spent many years traveling with family and friends to the places around the world she had always wanted to see. She spent time enjoying the beach with her family and dear friends.
She was an active member of the Mattapoisett Congregational Church and the Women’s Club. She also volunteered at the Mattapoisett Counsel on Aging and drove for FISH for many years.
Phyllis best expressed herself through creativity and was a beautiful artist of all mediums. Her art lives on in the homes of those she loved and who loved her.
The family would like to express special gratitude for the compassion and loving care of the South Coast VNA who were part of her life for the last few years. We couldn’t have asked for more personal care. The Mattapoisett EMS and Fire Departments, also, when responding to a call or need, treated her with the utmost dignity and care.
The family requests if donations are offered in Phyllis’ memory that they be made to any of these three organizations who hold a special place in the hearts of her family.
The funeral service will take place this summer and will be private. Arrangements are with the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett.
“Every year
everything
I have ever learned
in my lifetime
leads back to this: the fires
and the black river of loss
whose other side
is salvation,
whose meaning
none of us will ever know.
To live in this world
You must to able
to do three things:
To love what is mortal;
to hold it
against your bones knowing
your own life depends on it;
and, when the time comes to let it go,
to let it go.”
-Mary Oliver,