Maria Michela Howe
November 26th, 2011
Maria Michela Howe (nee Moro) passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2011, after suffering a sudden stroke on Friday. Her loving family were able to spend her last days with with her and given an opportunity to say their good-byes.
Mary was born in Vancouver. She was Davide & Irma Moro’s 3rd child and loved dearly by her brother Paolo and ‘big’ sister Yvonne Chelczynski (Eric).
When Mary was 7 years old the family moved to Italy and she enjoyed a year of living close to a large Italian family that included her grandparents (Nonni), aunts (Zia’s), uncles (Zio’s), and many cousins (Cugini).
Upon her return to Vancouver, the family decided to move to Burnaby and this is where she was fortunate enough to meet her beloved husband John Howe, as they both attended Brentwood Park Elementary school.
Mary and John were meant to be together for the rest of their lives, and married in Burnaby on May 27th, 1989. Her family grew to include her much loved father-in-law Robert (Bob), mother-in-law Breda, sister-in-laws Andrea Thomson and Sandy Schnorr (Tony).
Mary and John started their family in May of 1990 with the birth of their son Robert (Bobby) and in August of 1995 were overjoyed to be blessed again by the birth of their daughter Laura.
Over the years the family has grown to include nieces and nephews beginning with Amber & Kevin (Chelczynski), Kyle, Kalin, & Sarah (Thomson) and Wylie & Wyatt (Schnorr).
Mary felt blessed to have a family that she loved so much and would do anything that she could to make sure that they were always in the forefront. She created a beautiful garden that her family could enjoy and to no one’s surprise added a statue of Saint Francis of Assisi, also known as the patron saint of animals!
Mary had a natural love of animals, whenever she was able she would borrow family members’ dogs to walk and take care of. As soon as she could, without hesitation, she added her own dogs to her home - they gave her much pleasure and felt her home was a better place to be because of them.
Mary worked at the RCMP head office in Vancouver for over 24 years in public service as a civilian. She respected the people that she worked with and admired their strengths and abilities to serve our Province.
Their outpouring of support and caring to her family validates everything that we always knew about her and the wonderful people that she worked with.
Mary loved decorating her home for any and every holiday and it is to no one’s surprise that she had already begun decorating her home for Christmas. She loved Christmas and enjoyed the season for all of the freedom of giving that it gave her!
Mary was able in her short life to teach us to see the best in the people around us, to forgive and most of all to look at life in the brightest of lights!
Mary was the most giving person anyone could ever imagine. She is in God’s hands now but before he took her from us, she was able to give a final gift, the gift of life! Mary became an organ donor on Sunday, the day of her passing, and continues to give other families the opportunity to love their parent, child, uncle, aunt, niece, nephew, brother, sister or friend for a while longer!
Mary will be sadly missed by all who knew and befriended her.
The family would like to thank the staff at Vancouver General Hospital for the respect and kindness shown to Mary and her family during a very difficult time.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, December 1, 2011 at the Royal Oak Community Church, 7175 Royal Oak Avenue, Burnaby at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind would be greatly appreciated.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence.
Messages:
Our sincerest condolences on the passing of Mary. Our prayers are with your family.
I remember meeting Mary when I started with the RCMP in July 1989, she always had time to say hi how are you. I hadn't seen her for years, but saw her at EHQ a week before her passing, she had time to say hi how are you. She looked great as always. I was shocked to read of Mary's passing. My thoughts are with her family, friends and co-workers at this time.
Dear Yvonne, As your childhood friend, I remember Mary as your sweet baby sister. I know how much you loved her and how you anticipated your annual Sister Weekend with so much excitement. I cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Mary's obituary is such a tribute to a strong, vivacious, woman who will be missed by all the people who were fortunate to know her. I wish all of Mary's family strength in their sorrow and peaceful hearts knowing that she is still with you in spirit and that you will one day be together again.
I was very saddened to hear that Mary had passed away. Having worked for the RCMP Corporate Management Branch for over 26 years I remember when Mary started working there. I just want to let the family know that I will greatly miss her smile and cheerfulness. She worked in an office just down the hall from mine for a while and I always loved the way she decorated the office on special occasions, I also love to decorate my office and we used to comment on each others' creativity. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
My thoughts are with you and your family, Yvonne during this difficult time. I never met your sister but she sure sounded like a wonderful person. So sorry for your loss.
Sandy, Rob and I were so sorry to learn of the passing of your beloved sister-in-law, Mary. You have always spoken so highly of all of your family. Over the years I feel I have come to know them is small and remarkable ways. What a beautiful and moving tribute to a very much loved woman. It is easy to see why Mary was so very special to all of you. Our sympathies and condolences are with you and yours. May you find comfort in this very sad time.
My sincere condolences to all Howe,s family from Frank and Tatjana
I am so sorry to hear of Mary's passing. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were all playing in the back yard. It sounds like Mary has left many happy memories for everyone. Her person may be gone but her spirit will be with all who knew her best. Unfortunately I can't be there in person but my thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this very sad time.
Dear Yvonne, Irma and Laura I am so sorry to hear about Mary's sudden Passing, my deepest condolences to all the family members, I remember how much she cared for Laura, as her hairdresser I often conspired with Laura and tricked Mary so that Laura can get the hair color she wanted Mary was always gracious and kind and never got angry at our plots, she would leave us to go to the bank and when she came back I would tell her what color I put on Laura's hair instead of getting angry she would laugh and was happy that her daughter was getting what she liked, please know that you are in my thought in this difficult time Laura I know that Mary wants you to stay strong Sarah Ameli Lake Arenal, Costa Rica
I don't know how to begin, my mind is all over the place. Mrs.Howe was a such an amazing mother and wife. She was an open ear for me and I respected her a lot. I knew that if i ever needed someone to talk to she would be there for me. I considered her like a second mom. She was always so attentive and so caring. Mary Was such a special person in my life, whenever i saw her i always felt like really warm and happy because i knew that my well-being was important to her and that is one of many reasons why she will always remain in my heart.Now Mary is in good hands and i know John, Bobby, and Laura are a strong family who will stand by each other and support each other during this doleful time. I feel blessed to have met such a strong and united family and I've learned so much from you. I want John, Bobby, and Laura to know that you have my deepest condolences. My family and I want you to know that we are here for you and if there's anything we can do don't hesitate on telling us. My blessing are with you.
Laura, my family and I send our condolences to you and your family. I am very sorry to hear about such a tragic loss. Our prayers go out to each and every one of you.
I am very sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Mary. I had only known her for a couple of years some time ago via the Moro family but her loving personality was certainly remembered. My heartfelt condolences to the Howe and Moro families.
Mary was always a ray of positive sunshine and she will continue to shine in all our hearts. She will be missed but never forgotten. Love and strength to all of you. Jack and Krys
Dear John, Bobby and Laura, Mary was one of the kindest person I have ever known. I remember all the wonderful dinners we had at Christmas and New Years. She was the best cook and after our dinners the next day my kids would say can you phone Mary and ask her for the recipe she had cooked. They would say but can you cook it like Mary!!! The other day Katie came in with a picture of Mary holding Katie at her Christening. My children also have fond memories of her. You could always see the love in her eyes for John, Bobby and Laura. She was a wonderful Mother,Wife and daughter. You all meant the world to her and I know she meant the world to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all today and everyday. May you rest in peace Mary I will forever remember you. Love Donna xoxoxo
Dear John, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children at this very sad time. Nothing can prepare you for such a sudden loss. You are in our whole family's thoughts since we heard the news. Mary was such a sweet girl and we will miss her. Thankfully you have such a supportive family. Love Aunty Carole
I am so sorry to hear about Mary's passing. I will forever remember the teenage girl I hung around with way back. I can still hear her wonderful giggle. RIP
Dear John, Bobby and Laura - My sincerest condolences to each of you and your family. Mary radiated kindness, love and joy each time I met her and I only wish there could have been more time, more meetings, more hugs. You have a very special angel looking after you and a strong family to support you. You will never be alone. Mary lives on in others, not just those she has helped during her passing but in the hearts and minds of all she met along her life's journey.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Mary's sudden passing and will miss her room-warming smile and cheery voice. We attended a meeting together two weeks ago and I was honored that she elected to sit beside me that day. Strength and prayers to her family and friends...
Dear John and Family: Our sincere condolences for your loss. I remember meeting Mary in my "past" when I was dating Dave Griffiths. Even then it was evident that you two were a loving and caring couple with each other. Interestingly, as I was writing this out, my husband, Vito, came over and also said he remembers you both from school, as he also went to Brentwood Park Elementary. Really, a small world..... There are no words to adequately express our sympathies at this sorrowful time. It's hard to focus on remembering the happy memories when the loss is so recent. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers with the hope that God will comfort you in this difficult time, and that Mary is at peace in his heavenly embrace. Sincerely, Teresa and Vito Fierro
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. Mary was a special lady. John you were so blessed to have shared so many happy years with Mary. My heart breaks reading this story. My heart and thoughts go out to you John, Bobby and Laura. Stay strong knowing Mary is with so many of our loved ones who have already left this earth. Love you all, Kelley xoxo
I first met Mary when I was transferred to Corporate Planning and Client Services (now called Operations Strategy Branch) in 2002. She greeted me with warmth and that huge smile of hers. Mary was always my “go to” person when I had a question or needed help with the project I was working on. We often shared stories about our families. John, Bobby and Laura, Mary always spoke lovingly of you. I know your family miss her dearly. Her RCMP family miss her as well.