Marie C. (Cleary) Howe

Marie C. (Cleary) Howe, 100, passed away peacefully at home on April 13, 2025, surrounded by the love and presence of her devoted family. Born on October 16, 1924, in Ludlow, she was the daughter of the late John and Isabelle (Young) Cleary and a lifelong resident of the area.

Marie’s story of love began at the age of 15 when she met Raymond Howe at West Brookfield Lake while visiting friends. From that moment on, the two were inseparable sweethearts. They married on January 6, 1944, at Holy Family Church in Springfield and built a beautiful life together. Their marriage spanned 65 years until Raymond’s passing in 2009. Marie worked mother’s hours at Blake’s Department Store while raising her children, later becoming the office manager for Dr. Arthur Logan in 1964, a role she held until her retirement in 1984.

Marie was an avid reader, finding joy and comfort in books throughout her life.

She leaves her loving children, John Howe and his wife Robin of Williamsburg, VA, Donna Whalen of Chicopee, and Deborah Gelinas of Hampden; her cherished grandchildren, Brenna Whalen, Gina Bellinger, Kara Gelinas, Tricia Gelinas, and Brett Gelinas; 8 adored great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren; her special niece and nephews, Kathy (deceased), Kenneth (Judy), and Mark (Sue) Turnbull, along with many great-nieces and great-nephews, other extended family members and friends. She was predeceased by her parents; her beloved husband Raymond; a granddaughter, Kimberly Platanaitis; her sister and best friend, Jane Turnbull and her brother-in-law, Dick Turnbull. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Yu and Sue from Chicopee Riverbend and Dr. Rodriguez and Kelly for their compassionate care over the years, also to the Hospice of Western Mass especially Janet, Amber, Monica and Lydia, and a thank you to Suheilly for taking such good care of Marie.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 with Calling Hours from 8:30-10am at Nowak Funeral & Cremation Services, 15 Ludlow Ave., Springfield and proceeding to St. Anne Church, 30 College St., Chicopee for a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. Burial will follow at 1:00pm at the MA Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marie’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) or to Shriners Children’s Hospitals, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 (www.lovetotherescue.org). To offer online condolences to the family, please visit www.nowakfuneral.com.

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