Paula G. (Visbecq) Howard, 90, Former Hudson’s Apparel Clerk

Paula G. (Visbecq) Howard, 90, of Amesbury, formerly of Merrimac and Haverhill, passed away peacefully, Friday evening, Nov. 28, at Maplewood Center in Amesbury. She was the devoted wife of Fred W. Howard, who pass on April 6, 2007.

Born in Brignoles, France, August 21, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Andre and Jean (Cote) Visbecq and graduated from a convent school in France. She met her husband, Fred, while he was stationed in France during World War II and they were married in St. Germaine en Ley. Howard and her first child came to the states in April, 1946, to be rejoined with Fred after his tour of duty was completed.

For more than 30 years, Howard was a sales clerk at the former Hudson’s Apparel in Haverhill. She had an eye for what worked and what didn’t and her customers appreciated her honest and discerning critique.

Howard’s legacy of engaging in a life well lived and well loved will continue to warm the hearts of her family, which includes her two daughters, Madeleine R. Howard Morrissey and husband Jeff of Haverhill and Paula Sheehan and husband Michael of Merrimac; her sister, Charlotte Crivelli of Hyeres, France, her two granddaughters, Melissa Ann Dase of Santa Barbara, CA and Raquel Di Prima and husband Sal of Methuen; her great-granddaughter, Kailey, along with many dear friends, including her very special longtime friend, Mickey Connor of Haverhill. Paula was predeceased by her son, Richard Howard, who died May 31, 2005.

A memorial mass will be held Thursday, Dec.4, at 10 a.m. at All Saints Church, 120 Bellevue Avenue, Haverhill, followed by burial in Linwood Cemetery, Haverhill. By request of the family, there will be no visiting hours. In honor of her lifelong love and admiration for all God’s animals, donations in her memory may be made to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Avenue, Salem, MA 01970. Arrangements are by Paul C. Rogers & Sons Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Avenue, Amesbury.