Elaine L. (Long) Howland, 62, of New Bedford passed away February 18, 2010 surrounded by her loved ones. She passed away at Hathaway Manor Extended Care Facility after a year long battle with pancreatic cancer.
She was the wife of Dennis E Howland.
Born in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Lucien and Eleanor (Selheimer) Long, she was raised in Fairhaven and lived in New Bedford for many years.
Mrs. Howland was a member of Centre Trinity United Methodist Church. She was a graduate of Fairhaven High School and St. Luke's Hospital School of Nursing, and a member of A.R.C. of New Bedford.
She worked at St. Luke's Hospital for 45 years, first as a candy striper and then as a registered nurse at St. Luke's Hospital in the Maternity and Nursery Unit. Elaine was involved in the First Call program through Boston Children's Hospital, providing support to mothers and families of babies born with Down Syndrome locally, as well as all over the country. She also started a local support group for mothers of children with Down Syndrome. She was a tireless advocate for her son.
Elaine enjoyed being "Mammy" to her two granddaughters, Madyson Pires and Abigail Hooley. She enjoyed cooking meals for her family, having tea with her friends, and the beach. She loved to knit and sew, taking long rides in the car, and bike riding with her husband. Elaine loved music and reading. Her strong faith and loving spirit were infectious and inspiring for all who knew her.
Survivors include her husband; 1 son, Adam D. Howland of Fairhaven; 1 daughter, Heather L. Hooley and her husband Ross of New Bedford; and 2 grandchildren, Madyson Pires and Abigail Hooley.
She was the sister of the late Linda Pacheco and June Worton.
Visiting hours Thursday, February 25th from 4-7 PM in the Saunders-Dwyer Home For Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford. Her Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 26th at 10 AM in the Centre Trinity United Methodist Church, 473 County St. New Bedford. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative (SMEC) 12 Welby Rd. New Bedford, MA 02745.