Amelia Law Howard

If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Amelia Law Howard. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Amelia was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

      Amelia was born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland. She was the daughter of Eliza Jane McCartney. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Amelia was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Amelia's personality throughout her life.

      Though Amelia was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Amelia was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Amelia worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Amelia was raised with many siblings. Amelia and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      There was one thing that all of Amelia's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Amelia was such a popular person throughout her life. But Amelia was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Amelia was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Amelia was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Amelia was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Amelia was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Amelia made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. Later in life, Amelia became very close friends with her sister-in-law, Evelyn.

      Harmony was important to Amelia and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Amelia was blessed with two children, her two boys, William and Kenneth. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Will and Krista. Amelia was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Amelia was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Amelia would listen before she would act.

      Taking her work seriously came naturally to Amelia, and she expected the same from those around her. Amelia was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Amelia was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Amelia handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was a hospitality employee at the Westbury Hotel where she received the key to the City of Toronto and numerous other awards for her hospitality towards her customers. She was employed for 30 years at the Westbury Hotel. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

      A methodical woman, Amelia enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her favorite pursuits were tai chi, church volunteer, legion volunteer, gardening, and cooking for her family and friends.

     Her high moral standards and traditional values served Amelia well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of St. Stephen's in the Fields Anglican Church. During that time, she served on the altar. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

      A generous and compassionate woman, Amelia accomplished much during her lifetime. Though she never set out to gain individual recognition, Amelia was recognized and given awards for her many and varied efforts throughout her life. Some of her most prestigious awards included the key to the City of Toronto, various Hospitality of the Year awards, Employee of the Year, etc.

      Not only did Amelia enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. Favorite vacations included going to Florida with her family and cottaging up north.

      Amelia was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. Amelia had many cats over the years. Her favourites included Pansy and her 142 kittens, as well as Charlie, Samson, Smudgie and Barney. Amelia's family was rounded out by no other pets, but Amelia always fed the squirrels and the birds who came visiting in her back yard.

      Since it was easy for Amelia to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Amelia was ready when that day to retire finally came around 1991. After retirement, Amelia remained in her home in which she raised her two sons. In retirement, Amelia remained active in her church, St. Stephen's in the Fields Anglican Church, taking tai chi at the local community centre, socializing at the legion and spending time with her family and friends. Even in retirement, Amelia stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

      Amelia passed away on February 4, 2010. Amelia passed away peacefully in her home in which she had lived most of her life. This is where Amelia was most comfortable and where she wanted to live out her remaining days. Amelia fought a brave battle against lung cancer. She is survived by her sons Kenneth and Will (Brenda), and her grandchildren Will and Krista. Services were held at Giffen-Mack 'Danforth' Funeral Home, in Toronto. Amelia was cremated and her remains will stay with her family.

      Amelia was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Amelia was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Amelia Law Howard.

AMELIA LAW HOWARD

SUNRISE

November 28, 1928

Belfast, Northern Ireland

SUNSET

February 4, 2010

Toronto, Ontario

Amelia Law Howard

Peacefully at her home with her loving family by her side on February 4, 2010, at the age of 81.

Cherished mother of Ken and William (Brenda). Beloved grandmother to Krista and Will.

Friends and relatives will be received at

GIFFEN-MACK ‘DANFORTH’ FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 2570 Danforth Ave., (at Main St. subway)

416-698-3121, on Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M.

The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 1 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel.

If desired, a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.

“Forever in our Hearts”

Miss Me, But Let Me Go

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not too long,

and not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared.

Miss me, but let me go.

This is a journey that we all must take,

And each must go alone.

It’s all a part of the Master’s Plan.

It’s a step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart,

Go to the friends we know,

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.

Miss me, But let me Go!