Cynthia M. Howe, 90, a longtime Nashua resident and most recently of South Burlington, VT, passed away Friday evening, August 30, 2024, peacefully and surrounded by her family.
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts on July 31, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Montrose H. and Violet G. (Thompson) MacLeod. Cynthia moved with her family to Nashua during her early years and was a graduate of Nashua High School Class of 1952.
Cynthia married Alan F. Howe on September 12, 1954 and briefly resided in Virginia during his service in the Air Force. They moved back and forth from Nashua to Texas and Illinois, then finally back to Nashua. While in Nashua, they made their home – and many friends – on Hughey Street, Harris Street and, for several decades, on Manchester Street.
She had many jobs over her lifetime, but if you asked her where she worked, she would fondly recount her long career as a legal secretary at Clancy & O’Neill, PA of Nashua. In her leisure time, Cynthia enjoyed gardening and was never so happy as when she was ‘playing in the dirt’. She also enjoyed still-life and landscape painting, was an avid reader, and loved listening to Barbara Streisand, Neil Diamond, Elvis Presley, opera, musicals, and classics from the 50s and 60s. Above all things, though, Cynthia loved spending time with her many dear friends and cherished family. Her kindness, generosity, and love live on in the hearts and minds of them all.
In addition to her parents, Cynthia was predeceased by her husband, who passed away January 8, 2009; her daughter, Deborah E. West of Loomis, CA who passed away June 20, 2017; and her brother, Donald MacLeod.
She is survived by her son, Alan K. Howe and his wife Stephanie B. Stahl of Colchester, VT; son-in-law, Gordon L. West of Loomis, CA; her grandchildren, Courtney West, Kellen G. West and his wife Anna Bergman, Carter A. Howe and Emily D. Howe; great-grandchild, Lennox West; nieces and nephews, David MacLeod and his wife Sally, Clifford MacLeod and his wife Valerie and Karen (MacLeod) Weston and her husband John.
Calling hours will be held at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Friday, September 13th from 4-6pm. Her funeral service will be held in the funeral home, Saturday, September 14th at 11 a.m. followed by a reception. Interment will take place in Edgewood Cemetery at later date. Memorial donations: Cynthia was a generous supporter of many charities including St. Jude’s, the American Cancer Society and several veterans’ charities. The family asks that you consider honoring her generosity by donating in her name to your charity of choice. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com
