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Elizabeth Grace Howard
Howard, Elizabeth Grace (nee Lowin) It is with great sadness, that we announce the passing of Elizabeth "Betty" Grace Howard (nee Lowin) in her 94th year at Dufferin Oaks Long Term Care. Loving Mother of Laura MacDonald (Gilroy) and Cathy MacDonald (aka "Betty & the Girls"). Cherished Grandma to Taryn and Matthew Gilroy, and wonderful Great Grandma to Logan and Hailie. The eldest of 6 children, Betty lost her mother Eva (nee Chatten) when she was 9, and her father George Lowin when she was 24. Betty is survived by her brother Bob Lowin (Shirley). She mourned the loss of her siblings: Jim in 2001 (Doris), Jack in 2003 (Maxine (2011), George "Shorty" in 2017 (Anna-Marie) and on July 12th Mom's only sister Evelyn Chatten (George 1976) passed away. Predeceased by husbands "Duke" Angus Duncan MacDonald (1971) and Norman Arthur Howard (2019). Mom was an outspoken woman with a good sense of humour and a role model for her daughters. She was a single mom after Duke's death, during an era when single women could not get credit. Born, raised and first married in Etobicoke, Betty then later remarried and moved to Meaford in 1980 and then Orangeville in 2000. Mom was very active in her communities, volunteering at the Meaford Hospital and Midas Mart for many years. In her later years Mom was on her own again and would be seen walking through Orangeville with her red walker to volunteer at the Salvation Army Store, or to shop, or visit home-bound friends. She enjoyed volunteering with the Friendship Club and the Christian Women's Meetings in Shelburne. Her walker never slowed her down, we remember her long daily walks, many road trips through Ontario to visit friends and family, two trips to Scotland and even a Christmas Eve walk in the snow. She put many miles on her walker and had to replace it after the second trip to Scotland! Mom faced life head on, determined, hard-working and always cheerful. She will be very missed by her "girls" and will be remembered with a smile by many friends, family and neighbours. Unfortunately, the onset of dementia and health issues slowed her down, and we give huge thanks to friends who were mom's caring companions (Alice Groen, Sandra Allen and Sheila Alexander). Many thanks also to the staff and friends at the Adult Day Program in Shelburne which Mom attended for several years. We could not have been more happy to have her move to Dufferin Oaks for her final years. The staff at the Oaks is exceptional and we thank all of them for their kindness and care of our treasured Mom. A very special heartfelt "Thank You" to Rebecca and the entire 2nd Floor Grand Valley team (past & present), who always appreciated Mom's sense of humour and took care of her so well! The kindness of everyone made Mom's later years safe and happy and we are extremely grateful to each of you! As per Mom's wishes, her final resting place will be with her parents at Park Lawn Cemetery, Toronto. We will have tea with friends, family and neighbours to hug and reminisce on Sunday, October 3, 2021 from 1:00 to 3:00 at Dods & McNair Funeral Home, Chapel & Reception Centre, Orangeville. The family requests fully vaccinated visitors only please. Mom especially enjoyed and took great pride in working in her gardens and when you see her favourite marigolds, we hope you always think of her. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Society of Dufferin County, the Salvation Army, or a charity of your choice. Love you Mom A tree will be planted in memory of Elizabeth Grace in the Dods & McNair Memorial Forest at the Island Lake Conservation Area, Orangeville. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.dodsandmcnair.comNovember 27, 1927 - July 22, 202111/27/192707/22/2021
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Elizabeth Grace Howard
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