Elsie G. Howell
11-20-1924 TO 09-10-2025
A legend is the best way to describe this lifelong resident of Tewksbury Massachusetts.
Elsie left this world peacefully at home on September 10th 2025 surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Born in Tewksbury Massachusetts on November 20th, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Louis Charles Haas and Susan Sivoocek Haas.
As a young woman Elsie worked at her brother Charlie Haas’s trucking company. After the tragic death of her beloved husband William Howell, she attended Lowell Hospital School of Nursing graduating with a nursing certificate. Strong willed and fearless, young Elsie chose dangerous work as a missionary nurse. Tending to those in need, traveling to frigid Nome Alaska, the steamy jungles of Borneo and finally an Indian reservation in New Mexico. On her return home her nursing career took her to the Deaconess Hospital where she worked until her retirement.
Elsie later partnered with world renowned sculptor Mico Kaufman who passed in 2016. A force to be reckoned with she worked tirelessly to promote his amazing talent. She donated the “Touching Souls” monument at Tewksbury Methodist Church which was gifted to her from Mico.
Her strong faith and love of her Tewksbury United Methodist Church was obvious. In November 2024 her church held a special service and celebration for her 100th birthday.
Elsie is survived by her niece Elsie Sinnott and husband Richard, nephew Charlie Haas and wife Joanne, niece Betty and husband Dale Carpenter, niece Lois Voltero, nephew Paul Haas and wife Phyllis , nephew Gregory Haas and partner Denise Walker, nephew Mark Haas and many great nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
She is preceded in death by brother’s John, Fritz, Charlie and Louis Haas and sisters Anna O’Connell and Helen Brabant.
Elsie Howell made an impression on everyone who has been lucky to meet her. Her deep faith, her stories and laughter will help fill the hole in our hearts that she has left behind.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 19th, at 11 a.m. at the family lot located on Third Avenue in the Tewksbury Cemetery, 172 East Street, Tewksbury. Those attending are encouraged meet at the cemetery and to arrive by 10:45 a.m. Per her wishes there are No Calling Hours.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her Elsie’s memory to Tewksbury United Methodist Church, 2335 Main Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876.