Helen M. (Cole) Howard of Needham died on Thursday February 5 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. She was 83 years old. Born in Boston, Mrs. Howard grew up on Mission Hill and was a graduate of Mission High School Class of 1938. She went on to graduate from the Boston Teachers College Class of 1942. Mrs. Howard was a retired schoolteacher for the city of Boston. A Needham resident for 51 years, Mrs. Howard was an active parishioner of Saint Joseph Church. She taught CCD at Saint Joseph for 30 years. The beloved wife of the late Francis J. Howard Sr., she was the mother of Mary Ann Howard of Needham, Stephen E. Howard of Holliston, Robert M. Howard of Walpole and the late Francis J. Howard Jr. The grandmother of Paul, Erin and Cole Howard, all of Walpole, she is also survived by her brother in law James Lynch of Florida. Funeral from the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Avenue Needham on Monday 5 at 9:00 AM followed by a Funeral Mass in Saint Joseph Church at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours on Sunday from 3-6 PM. In lieu of flowers donations in Helen’s name may be made to Saint Joseph Parish, 1382 Highland Avenue Needham