Laconia - Elizabeth Millar Howard died peacefully at home on Thursday, 23 May surrounded by her music, poetry, books and family. She was born on 4 April 1921 in Springfield, Massachusetts, the daughter of James and Annie Rafferty Millar. Her siblings, all deceased, included Grace, James, William, John and Ruth Millar. Her father emigrated from Northern Ireland in 1906. She made two trips to Killyleagh, County Down to visit her father’s family and homestead.
The Millar family moved from Chicopee, Massachusetts to Milwaukee, Wisconsin and eventually to Plymouth, New Hampshire. “Betty”, as she was affectionately known, loved reading, studying, nature and being with her friends. She graduated with a teaching degree from Plymouth Normal School (Plymouth State University) in 1942. Her first assignment was in Haverhill, New Hampshire where she taught French and English. She met her husband, Ellis Woodruff Howard, in Piermont, New Hampshire in 1945. They were married on 22 June 1946.
Betty and Ellis lived in Littleton, New Hampshire from 1946 until 1966. Their four children, Elizabeth, David and Peter (twins) and James were born there. Betty was asked to create a library at the Mildred Lakeway Elementary School. She began collecting books in a closet and eventually was given a classroom, which she transformed into an enchanting and comforting place for children. She excelled as a librarian because of her love for literature and encouraged children to read what appealed to them, as long as they read.
In 1966, the family moved to Lebanon, New Hampshire where Betty was the librarian for the Lebanon School District. Ellis retired from the New England Power Company in 1988 and they moved to Laconia, New Hampshire in 1998.
Betty, whose faith was her guiding light, was always involved in the Congregational Church, singing in the choir and serving on various committees. She dedicated herself to her husband and children. She enjoyed reading, playing bridge, music, and having friends join her for tea in her elegant and peaceful home. One was greeted at the door with a gracious and loving smile and welcomed into a room with candles, fresh flowers and beautiful linens.
Betty was predeceased by her husband, son David and her siblings. She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Howard, sons Peter and his wife Janice, Jim and his wife Ann. Betty loved her three grandchildren Paul Howard and his wife Kelly, Sarah Caputo and her husband Matt and Stephen Howard. She has one great-grand-daughter, Lydie Caputo. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Barbara Millar and several nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, 8 June at 3:00 pm in the Laconia Congregational Church, 69 Pleasant Street, Laconia. The Rev. Neil Wilson, Senior Pastor of the Church, will officiate, accompanied by the Rev. Paula B. Gile, Associate Pastor. There will be a reception following the service.
Contributions can be made to the Dorcas Fund c/o Laconia Congregational Church, 18 Veterans Square, Laconia, NH 03246
There will be a private burial at the South Lawn Cemetery in Piermont, New Hampshire.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.