Jean M. (O’Dowd) Howe – 87, of Summerfield, Florida and formerly of North Reading, died on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. She was the beloved wife of the late Richard T. Howe.

Born in Stoneham, MA on August 30, 1934. She was the daughter of the late James F. and Alice Marie (Gormlie) O’Dowd. She was raised and attended school in Reading and was a graduate of Reading Memorial High School.

Jean was a secretary for the American Mutual Insurance Company and MECO Incorporated. She also worked for the Reading Hallmark store. She was a former resident of North Reading for 34 years and a member of St. Theresa’s Church.

Jean was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Jean enjoyed dancing and playing numerous card games.  She was an avid crossword and jigsaw puzzle fan.

Family members include her sons, Richard T. Howe, Jr. and Robert A. Howe and his wife Pamela, all of Summerfield, FL and Derek J. Howe and his wife Kimberly of North Reading; daughters, Susan J. White and her husband George of Lawrence and Laurie A. Howe and her partner Deborah Smith, of Summerfield, FL; sister of Sandra Smith of Engelwood, FL and sister of the late Michael and Timothy O’Dowd; grandmother of Ashley, Chris, Kelly, Stacy and Annika Howe; great grandmother of Trevor Howe, Vincent and Evelyn Terranova.

Her Funeral will be held at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St., North Reading on Wednesday, June 29 at 10:30 AM, Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 28 from 4 to 7 PM at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading. Interment will be in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Peabody. Memorial donations may be made in her memory to the charity of one’s choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com