Diane

Howard

Diane Howard of Franklin, Massachusetts, formerly from Branchburg, New Jersey, Billerica, Massachusetts and Chelsea, Massachusetts passed away on November 9th. Diane was the daughter of Helen (Marcin) Howard of Chelsea, Massachusetts and Kenneth Vincent Howard, a former Lieutenant in the Chelsea Police Department. She leaves her beloved husband of 53 years, William Howard formerly from Everett, Massachusetts, a daughter, Kimberly Woodruff of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, a deceased daughter, Charise Heater of Franklin, Massachusetts, four grandchildren, McKenna Heater, Will Heater, Mia Woodruff, and Zachary Woodruff and two sons-in-law, Michael Woodruff of Lawrenceville, New Jersey, and Christopher Heater of Franklin, Massachusetts.

Diane graduated from Chelsea High School in 1964 and Fisher College in 1966 as a Medical Assistant. She supported her children in many ways, including as a Girl Scout Brownie Leader and Classroom Parent. She was active in her church choir and sodality at St. Mary's Church in Billerica and loved bowling in her younger days.

As an accomplished cake decorator, Diane made wedding cakes for some of her family members, and countless birthday and other special occasion cakes for her loved ones. She also was quite skilled at crocheting and candy making, especially chocolate treats for the holidays. She was an accomplished calligrapher as well. She very much enjoyed entertaining large groups of friends and colleagues especially around the holidays. She loved to travel with Bill and her "Billerica" friends.  Diane was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea MA. on Saturday November 19th with family and friends gathering from 9:00AM to 11:00AM immediately followed by a service at 11:00AM.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Diane's name can be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society c/o St. Mary's Church, One Church Square, Franklin, MA 02038 or the Franklin Food Pantry, 43 W. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038,  would be much appreciated.