Nancy S. Howes
Feb 12th, 2025
Nancy S. Howes, 88, of Dennis, MA peacefully passed away on February 12, 2025. Nancy was predeceased by her parents Jesse and Florence (Thurber) Steere, and her siblings Shirley Smith, Marilyn Ellen Shannon, Janet Packish, Emily Andrews, Deborah Olsen, Jesse Steere and her beloved husband of 64 years Richard S. Howes and granddaughter Heather T. Foster. Nancy is survived by her son, Christopher S. Howes, and his wife Kim (Mayo) Howes and her daughter, Karen E. Howes; two grandchildren Ryan C. Howes and Jessica Black; and one great-granddaughter Lyla Grace Black; and her siblings Rosemary Finley, Gloria Steere, David Steere, and Stephen Steere.
Nancy was born on and grew up in Martha’s Vineyard. She met and married her soul mate and moved to Dennis in 1956. Nancy worked in the administration department of Cape & Vineyard in Hyannis, where she undoubtedly gained her exceptional organizational and bookkeeping skills. Later she worked as the secretary at their family-owned Television Repair Business.
Nancy was a devoted, loving wife, mother, special grandmother and great-grandmother. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren in her home. “Grammy” had many memorable fun days making crafts and snacks with them.
She served in her community, giving many selfless hours volunteering at the Dennis Memorial Library and in the preservation of the Josiah Dennis Manse historical building, executing the school program there for many years. Nancy was also a member of the Village Garden Club of Dennis. She enjoyed researching her family history and was involved with both the Howes and Steere Family Associations.
Gardening was Nancy’s passion! It was manifested through her beautiful flower beds throughout the yard. Neighbors would often see her daily in her different sun hats tending to the gardens.
For the last few years of her life, she was embraced and cared for by the wonderful staff at Harbor Point in Centerville. She will be remembered by them as always being cheerful, loving and kind.
Although she will be missed, the family takes comfort in knowing she has rejoined their father in Heaven.
Family and friends are invited to call at the Hallett Funeral Home, 273 Station Ave., South Yarmouth, MA on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm with a funeral service at 12:00 o’clock noon, followed by an interment in Dennis Village Cemetery, Route 6A, Dennis, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Dennis Historical Society, P.O. Box 607, South Dennis, MA 02660 or The Dennis Memorial Library, 1020 Old Bass River Road, Dennis, MA 02638.
Guest Book
I will remember Nancy fondly. Ms. Nancy and Mr. Howes were always so kind to my sisters and I as junior docents at the Josiah Dennis Manse. Her passion for history and Dennis rubbed off on those around her. One of my handy life skills was learning how to make a perfect pie crust without a buying a BOX! That trick is all credit to Ms. Nancy (and Ms. Chris Talbott!) who patiently taught me in the Manse kitchen, preparing for the Manse pie sale. Forever in my mind you will be remembered lovingly. Rest peacefully.