"To Barbara's husband, sister,children & grand-children,Your Barbara was a shining star to me.I knew her circa 1945-to circa 1956-7 or her high school & college years.Her picture in this memorial captures her beauty, goodness,kindness better than any words I type.I am most fortunate to know her.To all who knew her,Barbara was a Special Gift from God.May your memory of her, last with you to eternity."
In loving memory of
Barbara F. Hower
February 5, 1932 - February 20, 2019
Barbara Fitzsimmons Hower was born February 5, 1932 in Newport, RI and died on February 20, 2019 at the Grand Islander Long Term Care Center after a lengthy period of Alzheimers. Barbara was the daughter of the late Charles and Anna (Phelan) Fitzsimmons of Newport.She leaves behind her husband of 62 years, Condit Hower, a daughter Sarah Lyne Hower (spouse Joseph Welfeld), a son David Condit Hower (spouse Kelsey Camire), grandchildren Gwendolyn, Theodore, and Oliver, and sister Eileen (Fitzsimmons) Requardt.After graduating from Rogers High School and Pembroke College in Brown University, Barbara taught school at the 8th and 9th grade levels in North Brookfield, MA, Newport, and Brooklyn, NY. She also worked as a comparison shopper at Sears, a research analyst at the American Petroleum Institute in New York City, and later in Connecticut as the Administration Director of the Stamford Art Association. Later, Barbara was the office manager and marketing assistant at a Landscape Architecture firm in Greenwich, CT.In Brooklyn and lower Fairfield County CT, she was active in the Junior League. Other volunteer involvements included co-founding a gourmet cooking group for the YMCA, assisting YMCA international studies programs, participating in the Parent Teacher Association, and directing public relations for a professional singing group. She also sang in two Gilbert and Sullivan productions while living in Connecticut. In Newport she was a long-time member of Hazard's Beach and the Redwood Library. Barbara's family would like to thank the entire staff at Grand Islander, particularly the nurses, CNA's, and activities personnel for their kindness and loving attention throughout the years of Barbara's residency.A gathering to celebrate her life will be held from 2-4 PM, on Saturday, March 2, 2019, at the Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport RI. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Rhode Island, 245 Waterman Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02906.
Tributes
"We want to extend our deepest sympathy for your loss of Barbara which is the most devastating experience your family will face. At times, the pain of your loss will feel unbearable. Please know that there are friends who care about you and your family during this difficult time. Most importantly Psalm 34:18 tells us that "God is near to those that are broken at heart. We pray that Jehovah the God of all comfort is with your family during this difficult time of grief."
"I have had the pleasure of meeting and sharing sometime with Mrs. Hower as I am a long time friend of her daughter Sarah. I remember her as a beautiful woman with an infectious smile. I also recall being with both Mr. & Mrs. Hower and their daughter in RI for a wonderful dinner at a beautiful restaurant. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life and giving me fond memories. My husband and I send our deepest sympathy and hope the good memories will bring the family comfort. May Barbara find peace."
"ON BEHALF OF THE TEN MURPHYS-COUSINS OF THE BLANKS, TENNIS ENTHUSIASTS, CONDOLENCES, CONDIT ON THE PASSING OF ONE BEAUTIFUL LADY, BARBARA. I TRIED TO VISIT HER AT GRAND ISLANDER, WITHOUT SUCCESS. MAY GOD HOLD HER AND ALL THE HOWER-FITZSIMMONS FAMILY IN THE HALLOW OF HIS HAND."
"I would like to express my deepest and sincere condolences to the family of Barbara Hower. May you find comfort in your cherished memories of Barbara. A persons death does not go unnoticed by God. He sees our pain and at John 5:28, 29, offers the hope of a resurrection. A time where we can be reunited with our dead loved ones here on earth under perfect conditions. Until that hope becomes a realization, may caring support from family and friends provide you with the needed endurance during this tough time."