Lewiston - Marie P. Howard, 81, of Auburn passed away peacefully March 23, 2018 at Central Maine Medical Center with her family by her side. She was born on July 27, 1936, the daughter of Edgar J. and Hazel G. Cloutier. She was educated in Auburn schools. She married Robert A. Howard on August 31, 1957. They were married 46 years before his passing in 2006. Marie was a devoted member of East Auburn Baptist Church for nearly 60 years. She sang in the choir for many years and participated in several groups and ministries. She greatly enjoyed outings with her friends in the widow ministry. She will be dearly missed by her church family. She was a crossing guard at East Auburn Elementary School for 25 years and later on was instrumental in setting up the first lending library there as well as a reading program for students. She was a longtime member of the East Auburn Ladies Auxiliary group. She loved traveling to Zepherhills, Florida with her husband and exploring the area, especially visits to Disney World. She was a dedicated Red Sox fan. Marie was a special person with a kind, generous heart who never met a stranger. She touched many lives in many ways and will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
She is survived by her three children: Kathy Howard of Kernersville, North Carolina; Tim Howard and wife Marti of Auburn; and Daniel Howard and wife Kristal (Sam) of Auburn. She leaves four grandchildren: Darcy Howard, David Howard, Caleb Howard and Marta Howard and special foster granddaughter Glenda Moitozo. She leaves two great-grandchildren: Haylee Farr-Howard, Brennah Howard-White, and foster great-grandchildren: Stephen and Evan Moitozo. She also leaves sister-in-law Brenda Cloutier; sister-in-law Nancy Douglass and brother-in-law Larry Douglass; as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her sister: Dorothy Spiller and brothers: Edgar Cloutier Jr., Edward McGrath and John McGrath.
Marie's family wishes to express sincere thanks and appreciation to the nurses and staff at CMMC, and for the prayers and support from her church family.
You are invited to offer your condolences and share fond memories with the family by visiting Marie's guestbook at www.thefortingroupauburn.com.
Visitation will be held on Monday March 26 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at The Fortin Group/Plummer Merrill Funeral Home in Auburn. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday March 27 at 11:00 AM at the East Auburn Baptist Church in Auburn. Committal Services will be held later in the spring at Mount Auburn Cemetery. Those wishing may make donations in Marie's memory to: The East Auburn Baptist Church, 560 Park Avenue, Auburn, Maine 04210. A Service of The Fortin Group/Plummer Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 217 Turner ST., Auburn, Maine 04210. 783-8545