Christine Teale Howes

KENNEBUNK – Christine Teale Howes, 94, died peacefully at her home in Kennebunk on Jan. 26, 2022 with her children by her side. She was cheerful and engaged in all aspects of life until her final day, speaking with children, extended family, and friends.

Christine grew up in a parsonage in Granby, Conn., daughter of Rev. Dr. Arthur and Lillian Teale. As a middle child, she had the friendship of her younger sister and the playful rivalry of her older brother. Books were a central part of her life. She didn’t just read books; she studied and annotated them.

Her poetry defined who she was beyond her family. Writing from about the age of 5, she wrote until her last days. The themes in her writing center on time as the loom upon which the arts and history, especially personal history, are woven. Her work can be found in the Maine Women’s Collection, University of New England; the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C.; and the International Museum for Women in London. She read her poems locally and abroad, including at Oxford University and the University of Cardiff, Wales. Christine also collaborated with artists and composers, writing poems to interpret compositions, sculpture, and paintings.

Christine earned a B.A. at Syracuse University, where she met her future husband, Robert Howes. They raised six children, and guided by an unwavering moral compass, shepherded their growing family through turbulent times of social unrest and war. She always wore a pendant that reminded us that “War is not Healthy for Children and Other Living Things.” Christine chronicled parsonage family life through her York County Coast Star column, “Herb of Grace.”

Christine was predeceased by her husband, Rev. Robert Howes; parents Rev. Dr. Arthur and Lillian Teale; infant son, Arthur Howes, son, Galen Howes, daughter-in-law Ellen Howes, daughter-in-law Candy Howes; grandson, Nathan Reigeluth; and sister, Mary (Teale) Hatfield.

Christine is survived by her brother, Stanley Teale M.D., of Fairlee, Vt.; daughter, Martita Valentina (Merrill Kidman) of York, son, Christopher Howes (Carol Howes) of Allardt, Tenn., son, Eric Howes (Lydia Howes) of Auburn, daughter, Emily Hawkins (David Hawkins) of Hampden, son, Dwight Howes (Sara White) of Sewickley, Pa.; grandchildren Paul Michaels, Josh Michaels, Isaac Howes, Geneva Howes, Asher Hawkins, Rebecca Hawkins, Annie Hawkins, Megan Howes, Tate Howes, Jack Howes, Cate Howes, Jesse Herron and Anna Herron; and great-grandchildren Owen Michaels, Wesley Howes, Ariana Howes, and Ethan Howes.

The Howes’ family is grateful to Hospice of Southern Maine, the many loving helpers from Serving our Seniors, and family friends who provided food, comfort, and support that allowed Christine to remain comfortably at home.

The family is planning a Celebration of Life later this year with time and date to be announced.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Christine’s Book of Memories Page at http://www.bibberfuneral.com

Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer St., Kennebunk, ME 04043.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to

Howes Education Fund,

South Congregational Church,

P.O. Box 414,

Kennebunkport, ME 04046.