Official Obituary of
Winifred J. Howard
Born: March 19, 1928
Passed: October 11, 2025
Official Obituary of
Born: March 19, 1928
Passed: October 11, 2025
A cherished life remembered with love and gratitude.
March 19, 1928 – October 11, 2025
Winifred J. “Winnie” Howard, age 97, formerly of Mildred Avenue in Collins, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Gowanda Nursing Home.
Born in Collins on March 19, 1928, Winnie was the daughter of Milford J. and Clara (Decker) McIntyre. She married Harold A. Howard on May 7, 1949, at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, and the two shared a long and devoted life together until Harold’s passing in 2024.
Winnie enjoyed sewing, quilting, baking, and traveling with Harold as active members of the Collins Center Seniors. She took great pride in her 45-year career in banking, beginning in Buffalo before joining The Bank of Gowanda. Over the years she worked for Marine Midland and HSBC, advancing from teller to platform positions through her hard work and dedication. Winnie was also a member of the Gowanda Moose Lodge and the Slovenian Club.
Following her retirement, Winnie and Harold spent nearly 20 years volunteering with the Rural Transit Van service, giving their time generously to the community. They were well known around Collins for their daily walks together, regardless of the weather.
Winnie is survived by her children: Karen (Donald) Martinelli of Stamford, Connecticut; Terrence (Pamela) Howard of Gowanda; and Sharon (Kevin) Wurst of Gowanda. She was a loving grandmother to Christopher Martinelli, Elysabeth Martinelli, and Matthew Wurst, and a proud great-grandmother to Madelyn Wurst.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold; and her siblings Evelyn O’Brien, Milford “Mick” McIntyre, Marion Collopy, and Eileen Felong.
Winnie will be remembered for her warmth, her dedication to others, and the many ways she enriched the lives of those around her.
To honor the memory of Winifred J. Howard, please consider sending flowers or making a donation to a local charity of your choice.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Winifred J. Howard, please visit our flower page.
On behalf of all who loved Winifred J. Howard, we thank you for keeping their memory alive.
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