Obituary of Pearl Howells

Marguerite Doris Pearl Howells of Mankota, SK passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2016, at the age of 80. Pearl, the only daughter in a family of four boys, was welcomed by Wilfred and Nellie Howlett at the Regina Grey Nuns Hospital on Saturday, April 20, 1935. She grew up on the family farm located 24 miles south east of Moose Jaw, in the Baildon District. Pearl attended Grades 1-8 at Camalachi School. She left the family farm to attend the Sion School of Academy in Moose Jaw for Grades 9-12. Pearl graduated from high school on August 2, 1954, and then went to the School of Nursing in Regina at the Grey Nuns Hospital. She completed this milestone on May 16, 1957. Pearl’s first job was at the Indian Hospital in Fort Qu’Appelle, and the tuberculosis hospital at Fort San. Later in that year Pearl was hired at the Mankota Union Hospital. In 1959, Pearl accepted the position of Matron of the hospital, which she held for several years. She enjoyed being a nurse and accepted all the challenges head on, always doing her very best. Pearl made many lifelong friends and loved being a nurse; she retired in 1997. Pearl enjoyed sports, and when she moved to Mankota it was ball season, so she joined the local ladies team. It was during a practise that Pearl would have a glimpse of her husband to be, when a nice young man drove over the ladies bats. After a short courtship Pearl married William Howells. On October 26, 1959 they were married in Moose Jaw at the Zion United Church, surrounded by family and friends. On September 22, 1960 Dwayne was born, and Joanne on February 24, 1963. They lived in a couple of houses in town until the 1970s, when they built their dream home on the Allcock farm south of Mankota. Pearl was a very supportive mother, and cherished the time spent with her children. Her grandchildren were her life and Pearl was so proud of all their accomplishments. She enjoyed going to the many events they were involved in, travelling near and far to be in attendance. Winter was Pearl’s favourite time of year. She loved getting together with family during the Christmas season and socializing with friends during the holidays. Snowmobiling was a passion, and Bill and Pearl would meet up with friends while on their adventures. In the spring Pearl loved growing flowers, and planted a variety every year. A family holiday was always taken during the summer and over the years they travelled east to Ontario, into all of the western provinces, and several times to the states. Pearl was always busy in the fall, bringing meals to the fields and lending a helping hand. Her hobbies included ball, curling, bowling, reading, water skiing, dancing, shopping and socializing. Pearl could always find the good in any given circumstance, and was a very positive person. She was humble, and never put herself first. Pearl was rewarded in the smiles she would put on the faces of those she helped. She was knowledgeable, a great listener, and gave wonderful advise. Pearl was a true friend. She will be remembered by the love she gave unconditionally her to family, her smile that could light up the darkest room, her sense of humour, commitment to helping others and her passion for life. The memories that Pearl has given to her family and friends will be cherished always and she will be forever in their hearts. Pearl is survived by her loving husband Bill Howells; son Dwayne Howells (Shauna Jobagy), grandchildren Kirsta (Scott) Binder, Billi May Howells, Hayden Howells; daughter Joanne (Merles) Kress, grandchildren Dalton Kress (Larryssa Clark), Bri-Andy Kress (Jim Willman), Asha-Lee Kress; nephew Paul Howlett. Predeceased by her parents Wilfred and Nellie (nee McDougall) Howlett; infant brother Arnold Howlett; brothers Earl Howlett, Lawrence Howlett, Douglas (Marie Emma) Howlett; father and mother-in-law Albert and Rose Howells. Funeral Service was held on Saturday, January 23, 2016, at 2:00 p.m., at the Mankota Agricultural Hall. Officiant was Ruby Sayers. The eulogy was shared by Joanne Kress and Joan Stengler. Musicians were Kathy Grant and Jim Harbor. An honour guard was formed by Pearl’s nursing colleagues. Urn bearers were Dalton Kress and Dwayne Howells. Family interment took place at the Mankota Municipal Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Pearl to the Mankota Municipal Cemetery, Box 145, Mankota, SK S0H 2W0, were greatly appreciated.