Submitted by: Dan Rich

Mary A. Howland

April 18, 1921 - November 3, 2006

South Bend Tribune 11/5/2006

Mary A. Howland, 85, of Mishawaka, passed away Friday morning, November 3, 2006, in East Lake Nursing & Rehabilitation, Elkhart. Mary was born April 18, 1921, in Mishawaka, a daughter of the late Welcome and Alva (Glass) Hunt. She grew up in Mishawaka and graduated from Mishawaka High School. Mary attended Beauty School and was a beautician in her early years.

On July 3, 1941, she married Ralph Howland. The couple lived in Mishawaka until moving to Elkhart in the early 1950's, at which time they purchased a Dixie Crème Donut Shop. They ran the business until 1970. Mary also owned and operated the Slenderlee Salon. Mary and Ralph then traveled in the eastern part of the United States for two years performing as Martin Stevens Puppeteers. They returned to Elkhart in 1972 where they both became bus drivers for the Elkhart Community Schools, retiring in 1985. Mishawaka then became their home again with winters being spent in Naples, Florida.

Mary was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Mishawaka and former member of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Elkhart. She was a former member of the Moose Lodge. Mary enjoyed bingo and riding her bike. Fitness was an important part of her life. Mary's surviving family includes her two children, Phillip R. Howland of Elkhart and Barbara A. (Jerry) Britton of Elkhart; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2005; two brothers, Wiley and James Hunt; a sister, Patricia McElroy; a grandson; and a great-granddaughter.

Friends may spend time with Mary's family today (Sunday) from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. in Thallemer, Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. Third Street, Mishawaka. Visitation will also be Monday from 9:30 - 10:30 am in St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10:30 am in the church with Rev. Jeffery Largent officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Memorials may be given to Harbor Light Hospice or American Cancer Society.