HOWE, Carol H., 93, Houlton, Dec. 22, 2016. Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Dec. 28 at the funeral home. Arrangements by Dunn Funeral Home, Houlton.
HOULTON — Carol Hagan Howe died December 22, 2016 having lived a rich and full life. She was born December 10, 1923, the daughter of Fred and Mildred (Hotham) Hagan and grew up in Porter Settlement on the family homestead that was built by her great grandparents who settled there after emigrating from Ireland in the 1830’s. Educated in Houlton public schools, she had a lifelong love of learning. She married her high school sweetheart, Philip Howe, and they had four children.
A devoted wife and mother, she used her creative talents to make a wonderful home for her family and a welcoming place for friends. She was a loyal member of the Houlton United Methodist Church, singing in the choir, serving as substitute organist, and helping to organize the M & M club. Music was always an important part of her life and, in addition to church music, she also sang with friends, Gladys Tarbell and Betty Steiler, in what they called the Terrible Trio. She took organ lessons, participated in the Lion’s Club Musicals, Houlton Community Chorus, and the Houlton Music Club. She accompanied her young daughters when they sang at church and community events and made certain that all her children took piano and instrumental lessons. In addition to helping her husband with the bookwork for Howe’s Texaco, after her children were grown she continued her own education. She attended Ricker College and graduated from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. She then worked for several years for the State of Maine Bureau of Mental Retardation and then as a child protective worker for Maine Department of Health and Human Services. She was active in community affairs and served on the board of Community Living Association and the County Coop. Extension Service. She was also a member of AAUW, Houlton Garden Club, and the Cary Library Great Books. For the past several years she has served as Historian for the Houlton Star Bright Children’s Theatre. She lived her life with strength, grace, integrity, and a concern for those around her. She touched many lives and always sought to help others. She appreciated greatly the kindnesses and care of the Madigan Estates Staff.
Carol is survived by daughter, Barbara Howe Hogan, and husband, Galen, of Houlton; grandchildren, Karen Hogan, Kevin Hogan, John Elliott, Elizabeth Elliott Martin, Jason, Jared, and Jamison Howe, and Matthew Howe, 14 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Helen Hagan, & Sandra Callinan & her husband John; brother-in-law Oscar Webb Jr. and special friend, Valerie Gove. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her brothers, Donald and Carl Hagan, daughter, Rosemary Elliott; and sons, Mark and Brent Howe.
Friends may call at the Dunn Funeral Home 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016 until the time of the service 2 p.m. with Rev. Victor Han officiating. Spring interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Carol’s memory payable to the Houlton Star Bright Children’s Theatre, Houlton United Methodist Church, or a charity of your choice c/o Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park Street, Houlton, 04730. Online condolences and guest book: dunnfuneral.com.
