Obituary of Avis Holmes Howells

Avis Holmes Howells passed away March 15, 2017 at the age of 97. Born in Belfast on May 31, 1919, she was the youngest daughter of Evelyn Morison Holmes and Clyde B. Holmes, Sr. She graduated from Crosby High School and attended Connecticut College where she met her husband, William B. Howells, a student at Wesleyan University. Mr. Howells died in 1987. Avis was an antiques dealer for over 35 years, specializing in Shaker, early American furniture and Canton china. When her husband retired, they moved back to her childhood home in Belfast, and he joined her in the business. A long-time member of Travelers Club, Avis was also a member of the First Church in Belfast, where for 30 years she was active in the Wreath Project and 8 O'Clock Club. She is survived by daughters Rebecca Ann Todd, Laurelyn H. Northrup and husband Robert; son William G. Howells; four grandchildren: Eric, Carah, Teresa and Chris; 11 great-grandchildren; nephews Tim Hazeltine and wife Sandy, Brian Hazeltine and wife Kathy, Clyde Holmes and wife Maina, Michael Holmes; and niece Candace Sigerson. Avis' memorial service will be Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at 2:00pm at The First Church in Belfast. The family wishes to thank the staff of The Commons at Tall Pines for their loving care and the many family and friends whose visits meant so very much to mum. In her memory, donations may be made to the First Church in Belfast, UCC, 8 Court St. Belfast, Maine 04915 or Waldo County General Hospital, 118 Northport Ave., Belfast, Maine 04915.