BATH — Beverly Packard Howe, 88, died March 26, at the Hillhouse with her family by her side.

She was born in Rumford, March 16, 1926, the youngest child of Arthur Mellen Sr. and Eva Eudora Packard.

Her early years were spent in Canton on Overlook Farm, a bed and breakfast, and the family business. Atop Staples Hill, it had a stunning panoramic view of Lake Anasagunticook below, and the Oxford Hills in the distance. Overlook Farm was lost during the Great Depression. In 1940, her father came to Hyde Windlass in Bath. In 1943, she graduated from Morse High School, fourth in her class.

Talkative, extroverted and spunky, she loved performing in plays and Mohiba. She was active in the Methodist Youth Fellowship at Beacon Street Church, where she met her future husband J. Franklin Howe. They married in April 1950. They were married for 53 years. He died in May 2003. She graduated from University of Maine with help from The Davenport Trust, and became a social worker, placing foster children. She chose social work because the days were varied and exciting, and she loved children. In 1952, she became a full-time homemaker and raised two daughters. 

She was predeceased by siblings, Raymond, Richard, Dorothy Packard Mann, Arthur M. Packard Jr., Melba Packard Quint and Dwight Packard; and a niece Janys Holt, of Livermore.

She is survived by two daughters, Ellen Howe Ballou and Kimberly Howe Gardner, of Bath; four sons, Stevan Sylvester, of Portland, Glenn Ballou and Del Gardner, of Bath and Raymond Edwards, of Lewiston; step-grandchildren Jake and Katie Ballou, of Durham, Lindsey and Jon Brown, of Oakland, Jason and Dani Gardner and John and Madison Gardner, of Topsham; nieces and nephews, N. Marla Mann, of Livermore, Janet and Paul Houle, Chuck and Debbie Packard, Rick and Joanne Quint, of Auburn, Susan and Kevin Bodlovick and Jane Quint, both of Westbrook, and Laurel and John Spear, of Westport; their children; eight step-great-grandchildren; and two very dear friends, Sally Jackson, of Bath, and Shirley Hilton, of Norridgewock.

Special thanks go to Dr. James Rines, who for many years faithfully and compassionately accompanied Howe, and Rev. Mark Wilson who upheld her in faith and love.

In lieu of flowers, friends may wish to remember The Davenport Trust, 65 Front St., Bath, ME 04530 or A Paw in the Door, 16 Winter St., Bath, ME 04530 or the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, 27 Atlantic Highway, Edgecomb, ME 04556.

Visiting hours were held April 2 at Desmond’s Funeral Home, Bath. A funeral service was held April 3 at the Phippsburg Congregational Church.

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