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Grace M. Howells, 82, of Fairview passed away at home surrounded by family and friends on Thursday August 19, 2021.
Grace was born October 19, 1938 a daughter to the late Charles and Anna (Drew) Hann in Erie, Pennsylvania.
She was a 1957 graduate of St. Benedict Catholic High school. Following high school she continued her education at Mercyhurst College graduating in 1961 with a Bachelors degree in Education and began her teaching career in the McKeesport , Pa Public Schools.
After Grace's children were born and the family returned to Erie, she became a home maker and when time permitted a substitute teacher for various schools in the City of Erie. Grace eventually attained a Masters Degree in Special Education and had found her true calling. She returned to work as a Reading Specialist with the Northwest Tri- County Intermediate Unit and ultimately spent many wonderful years as a Special Education Teacher for the Girard School District. Her career came full circle when she began teaching at Mercyhurst University’s satellite campus in Girard. Grace finally retired in 2008 after almost 5 decades as an educator.
Grace had a heart filled with love that needed to be shared. She and her husband opened their home and their hearts by becoming Foster Parents and for over 35 years provided a loving home to those in need. She was also a member of St. Johns the Evangelist Catholic Church in Girard where she taught Sunday school for many years.
She believed in feeding not only her students’ minds and bodies but their spirit as well.
In addition to her parents Grace was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Ellen Phillipo; a brother, James Fromyer; and a niece, Cathy Patterson.
She will be greatly missed by her family which include her husband Richard W. Howells whom she married August 24, 1963; two daughters, Elizabeth Brunner (David) and Laura Kitcey (Brian); three sons, Richard Howells (Karen), James Howells (Melissa), and Scott Howells; eighteen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many many others whom called her grandma.
Friends may call on Tuesday August 24, 2021 at the Edder Funeral Home Inc. 309 Main St. E. Girard from 2:00 to 4 PM and 6 to 8:00 PM . A prayer service will be held there Wednesday at 9:30 AM, followed by the funeral mass at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 101 Olin Ave., Girard, at 10 AM with Father Jason Feigh officiating.
To send condolences visit edderfuneralhome.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Grace M. (Hann) Howells, please visit our floral store.