Obituary of Alice Marion Howe

Alice Howe passed away peacefully after a period of declining health at the Loch Lomond Villa on Thursday, November 21, 2013. Alice, the eldest daughter of the late Muriel (Brooks) Walker Giberson and Thomas Walker, was born on the family farm in South Tilley, NB September 24, 1924. She graduated the valedictorian from Andover Grammar School in 1941. Following graduation from Modern Business College, Saint John, she worked for a number of years at Canada Packers. Ltd. In 1945, Alice entered the Montreal General School of Nursing, graduating in 1948. She was employed as a nurse for a few years in Fort Fairfield, Maine prior to her marriage. During her nursing career, she worked in Nova Scotia at several Annapolis Valley hospitals. She also spent six years at the Bella Coola General Hospital, BC, as Director of Nursing and later the Administrator. As well, she was charge nurse at York Manor, Fredericton, Centra Care, Saint John, and finally as Director of Nursing at the Victoria Glen Manor, Perth-Andover, from where she retired. Despite loving her working life and positively influencing staff and patients alike, Alice's family was always first and foremost in her heart and was a much loved 'Mum and Nana'. She leaves to mourn her daughters: Suzanne (Robert) Warr, Yeovil. England; Heather Howe (Scott Weber), Vancouver, BC; sons: Robert Howe (Samantha Parker), Salt Spring Island, BC., John (Marilyn) Howe, Quispamsis, NB; Wallace (Dianne) Howe, Dartmouth, NS; Scott (Catherine) Howe, Salt Spring Island, BC; her sisters: Dorothy Crabbe and Barbara DeMerchant, both of Fredericton, NB. Also mourned by grandchildren: Kathryn Howe (David Collins), Meaghan (Dr. Devin) Pugsley, Sarah Amy Howe, Christopher Howe, Clare Howe, Sarah Beth Howe, Sebastian Howe and Nicholas Howe; and her three great grandchildren: Norah, Oliver and Hazel Pugsley; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Alice was predeceased by her brother: Edgar Walker, her former husband Kenneth Howe, and her daughter-in-law: Nairn Howe. Always a firm believer in giving back to her community Alice was involved in a variety of organizations and boards throughout her life. While living in Coldbrook NS, Alice belonged to the Woman's Institute and was on the board of the Kings County Vocational School. When she lived in Bella Coola BC, Alice belonged to the community theatre group. From 1987-90, Alice was mayor of Aroostook, NB reflecting her life long love of politics. In retirement, Alice was on the Senior's Advisory Board for the city of Saint John, and was an elder at Silver Falls United Church. As Alice was always blessed with abundant energy, she and her former husband successfully ran the Moon Winx Motel in Coldbrook, NS for many years. Previous to her illness, Alice loved to travel, bowl, play cards and kept active through line dancing and walking. A great cook and baker, Alice loved to host family dinner parties and no one left Alice's table hungry. A kind and loving soul that touched the hearts of everyone she met, Alice will be missed but not forgotten. The family wishes to thank the staff of Ash and Birch Lanes at the Loch Lomond Villa for their kindness and care to Alice over the last seven years. A memorial service will be held at St. James United Church, Perth-Andover, NB, on Friday, December 6 at 3pm, with Rev. Steve Longmoore officiating. Reception to follow at the Castle Inn, Perth -Andover. At a later date the interment will take place at the South Tilley United Church Cemetery, within sight of the farm where she was born and raised. Funeral Arrangements are under the care and direction of Fitzpatrick’s Funeral Home, 100 Waterloo Street, Saint John, NB (634-1965). Donations in Alice's memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Society, or Loch Lomond Villa Foundation. On line condolences may be made at www.fitzpatrickFH.com.