Lois Ann Howell

Lois Howell, age 85 passed away peacefully on September 12, 2022, at Dimensions Living in Appleton. She was born November 17, 1936, to George and Teresa (Springer) Heller in Eau Claire, WI.  Following High School, she went to the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire where she received her bachelor’s degree in teaching.

 

Lois married Griffith “Griff” Howell on December 23, 1961, after meeting in Manitowoc as first year teachers. Together, they raised their four children and shared a life in Appleton. At the time of his passing in 2011, the couple shared nearly 50 years together!  Parties, volunteering and watching “her Cubbies” play were a huge part of life- when they won the World Series it was quite the celebration!

 

Lois was the “hostess with the mostest” and mistress of hospitality. She was involved with a gourmet cooking group who met on a bi-monthly basis over the course of 20 years to share meals, and memories. For 40 plus years, the winter holidays were an “event” for Lois and Griff! Christmas Eve was filled with midnight fireworks following church, and Christmas Day was a day to share their blessings with those who may not have friends and family in the area.  Lois would prepare a spread of food and fun for them!  New Year’s Eve was a party night, and they alternated celebrating with good friends from Manitowoc the Drohman’s.

 

Travel was another passion for Lois and Griff; they were accomplished world travelers and enjoyed visiting Griff’s homeland of Wales.  Lois and Griff and their extended family once travelled up the St Lawrence Seaway and into Quebec, CA. Lois, and family (grandchildren included) shared a family adventure to Alaska in 2016 via cruise ship-it was a highlight and provides wonderful memories. Griff and Lois also enjoyed traveling in the US, especially on riverboats.

 

Lois is survived by his four children: Kevin (Holly) Howell, Waupaca, Julie (Todd) Pyszora, Waukesha, Kyle (Jackie Johnson) Howell, Kasson, Minnesota, Bryan (Mindy) Appleton, 7 grandchildren: Matthew and Katie Howell, Emily and Rachel Pyszora, Ryan and Ayden Hoey-Howell, and Lexi Howell, brother George Heller, nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Sox, her wonderful companion these last 10 years will also greatly miss her nightly snuggles.

 

Lois was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Griff, her parents, and siblings: Doris (Gilbert) McIntyre, Helen Troutman, Warren (Lorraine) Heller, sister-in-law Sharon Heller as well as Griff’s parents Delbert and Gwendolyn Howell.

 

A funeral service for Lois will be held on Saturday September 17, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Memorial Presbyterian Church, 803 E. College Ave, Appleton with Rev. Dr Michael Goodwin officiating. Friends and family may gather at the church from 9:00am until the start of the service. Interment will be in the Jerusalem United Presbyterian Welsh Cemetery in Wales, Wisconsin.

 

The family wishes to thank the staff at Dimensions in the resident wing and especially in the memory care unit for their loving and compassionate care of Lois these last five years.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Orphan Animal Rescue and Sanctuary In Lois' name.