Lillian M. Howe

Lillian Mae Howe, a selfless and upbeat woman of Faith and love, died peacefully on Thursday, August 6, 2020, surrounded by her family at home. Lillian, 88, of Charlotte, was born August 25, 1931, in Charlotte, the daughter of Frank and Mary Smrchek. Lillian lived a life of devotion to her family, and to others. She married Barton Howe and the two enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage before his death in 2009. When their children were young, she worked for Kroger. Later, she went back to school and earned her nursing degree and served as a nurse at Lansing General for many years. Lillian was always giving of her time, helping her son Neil with his print shop in Ann Arbor, and being sure to be present for all of her granddaughters’ activities and accomplishments throughout the years. Many friends and family will remember her potato salad, the many family pets, her love of travel and adventure, and her vivacious and up-beat personality. In her downtime, she loved to use her hands to create beautiful sewn and crocheted works. She also enjoyed spending time outdoors every weekend, whether it be fishing, boating, or taking trips on a motorcycle with Bart. For nearly the last 10 years, she and Joe Pray supported each other as companions, attending St. Mary’s, traveling, going out to dinner, and enjoying great-grandchildren. She was a member of St. Mary Church in Charlotte, where she found weekly peace. Above all, Lillian loved her family.
Lillian is survived by her daughter, Annette (Jim) Florence; four granddaughters, Erin Florence, Cori (Theo) Hensley, Jamie (Ryan) Scott, and Hayley (Dustin) Stoner; great-grandchildren, Silas, Lucas, Ezekiel, Beckett, and Brooklyn; and her companion of 10 years, Joseph Pray. She was predeceased by her husband, Barton Howe; and her son, Neil Howe; and her five siblings.
Friends are encouraged to support Lillian’s family. Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at Pray Funeral Home Gardens in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2020 inside the funeral home, and in the gardens from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., just prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery in Charlotte. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to St. Mary Catholic Church. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Lillian on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.