Anne Cecilia Howarth

Anne was born on February 24, 1939 in the bustling city of Edinburgh, Scotland. After graduating high school, Anne went to work for the Scottish Public Health Department. Like many young people in Scotland, she was a regular at The Palais de Danse and it was there that she met and fell in love with her husband, Virgil S. Howarth, USAF. They married in Scotland at Nicolson Street Church on June 6, 1959.

The couple remained in Scotland as newlyweds before moving to a new assignment in San Angelo, TX, and then on to San Bernardino, CA, where their son was born. They returned to Europe and were stationed at Hahn Airforce Base, Germany where their daughter was born. The family of four returned stateside to Big Spring, TX before finally settling in Austin, TX where Anne lived for the last 46 years. With each of their military moves, Anne and Virgil enjoyed traveling together and making new friends.

Anne was an independent and vibrant personality; a loving and loyal wife and mother who kept her home “neat and tidy” with pride. She enjoyed politics and was an avid watcher of the news. The PBS Newshour, 60 Minutes, Frontline and Sunday morning’s Meet the Press were among her favorites. As a democratic socialist, she regularly listened (and occasionally called in) to conservative talk radio. When we asked her why she listened so often to people with whom she disagreed, she advised us that it’s important to keep tabs on your opponent. Her preparation meant that she was ready to debate and share her opinion on all manner of topics, all while drinking tea with a piece of shortbread in hand. She also read newspapers daily, including The Scotsman, which made her a worthy Jeopardy adversary. Everyone who knew Anne and her memorable Scottish brogue knew how special she was, even after just a single meeting.

Anne is preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Helen Fraser, and her sister Norma Clark and husband Tony of Edinburgh, Scotland.

Anne is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Virgil, and her two children, son Nick and partner Kimberly of Seguin, TX, and daughter Adrienne and husband Todd of Austin, TX. She was blessed with eight grandchildren, Courtney, Hannah, Morgan, Lindsey, Braden, Carrie, Ian and Ariel, and nine great grandchildren. Anne also loved her nieces and nephews in Scotland and enjoyed the company of neighbors and friends. We will miss her more than words can say.

True to her ways, Anne requested cremation and that her ashes be placed in Tupperware. Against her thrifty request, a celebration of life and lunch reception is planned in her honor for 11am on July 16th at Southwest Family Fellowship, 8203 West Hwy 71, Austin, TX 78735.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenforestoaks.com for the Howarth family.