Cynthia M. Howe

Dear Alan, Stephanie and family: Please forgive this late note, but I just didn't know what was going on. I feel so empty and alone now. I know you know this, but I first met your mother when I was 17 and a Senior at Nashua High School and I started to work for Clancy & O'Neill part time after school. Alan, you were about 4 maybe at that time. You were so cute, and Deb was a little older. I spent a lot of time at your house--your mother was so patient and understanding with me during my "immaturity" years! I didn't get back to Nashua very often, but in recent years we managed to get together again--it was like no time had passed at all--discussing old times and new times! And she was so proud of you--and all her family. We always had so many laughs--like the time her best green corduroy suit ended up being donated with old clothes--and she had to track it down and get it back--which she did! And I loved seeing her latest house--she had so much fun giving me the tour. She loved telling me how it was like a tornado had gone through when the grandchildren left after visiting! I loved her so much, Alan. She is probably my very best friend--and always will be! You are in my thoughts every day.

Cynthia was a model neighbor. She always paused in her vigorous outside gardening to talk to our kids. My son, then aged 10-11, recognizing Cynthia’s need for frequent breaks, while gardening, often offered to help her. She always refused those offers (the gardening, it seemed, was strictly HER domain), but would talk to my son about what she was doing, thank him, and compliment him, on this offers. He had the enviable experience of getting compliments for, effectively, doing nothing. He was proud of being complimented, and would always make a point of telling me. On heavy snow days, my son and I would add Cynthia’s driveway and stairs area to our shoveling. The one and only thing Cynthia asked us to stop doing, was spreading sand on her front stairs, and the path to the garage. Even at her advanced age, it seems she preferred the challenge of icy stairs, to having sand tracked into her home. She (or someone in her family) had contracted a proper snow plow to do her driveway, but, as I recall, I think Cynthia had told the plow guy that he needn’t rush to do her driveway, thus his late arrival. When she caught us in the driveway, she ALWAYS gently admonished us, reminding us that she already had contracted snow removal (which took only minutes to do, making our work seem superfluous. Without warning, nor fanfare, nor even a knock at the door, sometimes, she would leave gifts of treats for the kids. I was reminded of the old adage that acts of kindness, done anonymously, are the true definition of kindness. Cynthia was that sort of person. We miss seeing her in the window of her kitchen, from our kitchen window, with the occasional friendly wave. My wife always left our kitchen curtains open, for the pleasure of that short, discreet, wave. We noticed, a while before her passing, that she no longer seemed to be at home—and never more to be seen at her ‘window spot’. Upon hearing of her passing, we might have been a bit selfish in wondering what the odds were, that we would ever have such an exemplary neighbor, in her stead. After all, how could anyone replace Cynthia? She set a high standard for the next occupants to meet.

I will miss Mrs. Howe! I have known her since I was 15 years old and a best friend of Debbie. She was like a second mother to me. In the past year or so we seemed to run into each other at the grocery store every Thursday and we would catch up with each other. She would ask me to plan to go over for dinner, but she looked too frail. I will always remember the fun times we had at her house as teens and how she was a great comfort to me in adulthood when I needed it most. She was a great cook and a wonderful role model. She loved to talk about her family. My condolences to her family - she was very special.

Cynthia (and Alan) were wonderful, down-to-earth people. Alan F. was my NRA Hunter Safety Instructor back in 1970. I dated Debbie Howe for a short time and we both graduated from Nashua Senior High School in 1974. I met Cynthia and spoke to her on many occasions. She always had her hand out in friendship and was a pleasant person to be around. Surely, she was an outstanding and caring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. No doubt she has her wings and is with Alan and Debbie in our Lord's home. My sincere condolences to her entire family.

Alan & Stephanie, family...We will miss her beautiful smile, sense of hummer and her loving ways. We always had such a wonderful time when I could get home to visit, will Cherish all our moments together whether we were close or far. I'll miss her Christmas cards with all the updates and how she would ask if I was gonna make it home this year. Unfortunately the last couple of years I couldn't but she is in my heart and always will be. You all are in my prayers always. She's home now with family and friends and I know she's watching over you all. May the Lord keep you all close to his heart and help you through this time.

Oh how we will miss her! We are so fortunate to have known her, and to have wonderful memories. So often, when we pulled in for a visit, she was up to her elbows in the soil, with a broad smile on her face...it was her happy place. We remember her love of lobster and steamers. She and Desiree would race to finish a bucket...butter dripping, until gone, then wonder if there was room for the lobster. There always was! However, she was never so animated as when she spoke of her wonderful family. She so looked forward to their visits, and to visiting them. Her eyes twinkled as she spoke of their latest exploits. Our heart-felt condolences to them. The overused phrase is that time heals...we know it is true, but that time is hard. May you take comfort in knowing that she had a long and bountiful life, and that she loved you with all her heart.