Nancy M. Howe

Nancy M. (Leger) Howe, age 89, passed away on January 29, 2025 at home after a courageous battle with cancer with her loving family beside her. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend whose warmth and kindness touched everyone she met.

Born in Fitchburg on November 26, 1935, she was the daughter to the late Adolphe and Emma (Marley) Leger. She attended St. Joseph's Grammar School, St. Bernard's High School (Class of '53) and went on to work at I.C. Credit Union for several years before retiring to raise a family.

She married Stanley Howe Jr. on May 9, 1959 and together they had five children. For over 60 years, Nancy made her house a home, filling it with love, laughter and cherished memories. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life - spending time with family, sharing stories around the table and playing her favorite games, particularly scat, dominoes and cribbage. In addition to her love for home and family, she never missed an opportunity to attend a social event, whether it be a lunch date, scenic bus tour with friends or mystery weekends away. She cherished the excitement of the journey, the people she met along the way and the memories she created. Nancy's spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her.

She is survived by her children, Stanley Howe III and Sandy of Fitchburg, Douglas Howe and Renee of Fitchburg, Sheila Montminy and Steven of Groton and Rosemary Reirden and David of Leominster. She also leaves nine grandchildren, Bradley Howe, Amy Howe, Christopher Howe, Kimberly and Bryan Weidknecht, Ryan Howe, Taylor Howe, Troy Howe, Cameron Reirden and Carson Reirden. Also, two great-grandchildren, Elaina and Norah Weidknecht. 

She also leaves a brother, Robert Leger, brother-in-law James Julius and sister-in-laws Virginia Gaudet, Ann Howe, Margaret Howe and Annette Bergeron Leger, as well as, many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, her son, Randall Howe, her sisters, Julie Daigle and Theresa Bouvier and her brother, Rudolph Leger. 

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to all the girls at the French Connection for their compassionate care and companionship during these past few months which allowed her to live out her final days in the comfort of her beloved home. 

Calling hours will be held at Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg on Friday, February 7, from 4 - 6 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 8 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Anthony of Padua Church 84 Salem St., Fitchburg. Burial will follow at Saint Joseph Cemetery in Fitchburg.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Anthony of Padua Church, 84 Salem Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420.

Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, are overseeing the arrangements.