Folsom Funeral Service

Howe, Virginia L.

Virginia Louise (Mason) Howe, of Millis, and formerly of Westwood, died Sunday, May 29th, 2011 at her daughter’s home in Medway.  She was 64 years old.  Virginia was born February 22, 1947 in Boston, Massachusetts, the daughter of Roger S. and Elsa (Thoms) Mason.  She worked for 28 years as a hairdresser and cosmetologist at Reflections of Medfield, and for many years at Medfield State Hospital.  Virginia was blessed with a talent for music and art.  Through the guitar she was able to fill the air with the joy of music, and with her brush and canvas she conveyed the beauty of her observations of the world.  She loved nature and all creatures great and small.  Most of all she loved people.  Her extensive travels around the world, where she met people from different cultures, were some of the best times of her life.  Virginia loved with the heart of a mother, wife, and friend.  She lived with courage and died peacefully with her family.  Virginia is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Howe of Medway; her son, Stephen Howe of Medway; her brother, Bill Mason, and his wife Safiyya, of Sharon; her grandson Jacob; her nephews, Bob and John; her nieces, Lisa Janet, and Nailah. She was the sister of the late Robert S. Mason.  Visiting hours will be held Wednesday from 4 to 7 PM at the Folsom Funeral Home, 649 High Street, Westwood.  Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Thursday at 10 AM at the First Baptist Church, 808 High Street, Westwood followed by burial in the Gardens at Gethsemane Cemetery, Baker Street, West Roxbury.  In lieu of flowers donations in her memory to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701 would be appreciated.

Guestbook Entries

  1. annmarie
    May 30th, 2011 | 8:45 pm

    I am sorry to hear of Virginia’s passing.She was a unique woman with a wonderful personality and a special way of helping people deal with their problems.She could always make you laugh ,sometimes even at her own expense. Those who knew her well will miss her dearly.My deepest sympathy.

  2. Diane Reardon
    May 30th, 2011 | 10:09 pm

    Cheryl and Steve,
    Thinking of you both. Your mother was a beautiful lady and I will miss her. Diane

  3. The Hill Family
    May 31st, 2011 | 4:12 pm

    Cheryl, wishing the best for you, Jake, and your brother during this difficult time. Our hearts and prayers are with you. Loved listening to your Mom’s travel tales. Wish I’d had time to know her better. All our love, Laurel

  4. Jan Golas
    May 31st, 2011 | 5:07 pm

    Cheryl, Jake, Stephen, Uncle Bill & Family ~

    I’m so saddened to hear of Auntie Virginia’s passing. I am glad that I was able to see her in February. She amazed me with her strength during her illness.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May cherished memories get you through this difficult time.

    Love, Jan

  5. May 31st, 2011 | 8:37 pm

    She was one of my best friends..she always knew how to heal a broken heart. Even when Aunt Vi left..this women was the strongest you’ld ever meet. With the love she carried in her heart she was always there for others. I’ve been very blesssed..with the feeling of blessed, to have Virgina as my friend. There,s so much I want to say …yet don’t have the space. I love you Virgina and will see you again. Always

  6. Patricia a Lewis
    May 31st, 2011 | 8:45 pm

    My friend you were taken too soon. McPati as you called me will miss you.

    My sympathy to Cheryl and Steve. Your mother talked about you to me.

    Life is not easy but just know you will see your Mom again.

  7. Patty Hartnett and Family
    June 1st, 2011 | 7:37 am

    Dear Cheryl, Jake and Family,
    We are very sorry for your loss. The beauty you surrounded Virginia with the last leg of her journey are amazing. Through music, friends and beauty all around her these last days she was truly blessed.God bless you all!
    The Hartnetts

  8. Debbie Blatz
    June 1st, 2011 | 8:50 am

    I worked with Virginia for many years at Reflections and could always talk to her about anything. She was very spiritual and a caring person. My heart goes out to all that knew her well. I’m sure her spunk will be missed.

  9. June 1st, 2011 | 10:46 am

    Virginia is an original soul who had an indelible impact on my life. As a teenager, she showed me what it is to live life with passion. As an adult, she demonstrated what true generosity is; Giving without asking for anything in return. Finally, she showed me what dignity in the face of adversity looks like.

  10. Bette Lanagan
    June 1st, 2011 | 8:40 pm

    She was a wonderful friend and always helped other people when they needed help.She will be deeply missed.

  11. Ann Marie Anderson Beltis
    June 1st, 2011 | 9:09 pm

    Dear Bill and Family,

    I’m sorry to hear about your loss and just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.

  12. Cheryl Howe
    June 2nd, 2011 | 12:28 am

    I remember when seeing Dr. Tahir that day. He turned to my mom to say” There is no hope to fix her left in any way. I watched how she reacted to that comment seeing her in some sort of acceptance that day. She heard the news and in that moment and she didn’t make it about herself in any way. She looked into the Drs.eyes to make it all about him to my surprise. She commented selflessly “it must be hard to sleep at night after telling a patient there is not allot of time before there demise? I wont forget the look in both of there eyes and how she was so considering the feelings he maybe had inside .. During the grieving days memory’s of you will stay . Like your kind thank you words to all of us that day. Those words you expresssed how you appreciate all of us in your own special way.even hearing how the cards you got as you passed by them gave you a nice feeling inside .

  13. Cheryl & Michael Giroux
    June 2nd, 2011 | 1:14 am

    Dear Cheryl, Jake and Family:
    We are sorry about your Mom’s passing. May you find peace in knowing you were with her and made her as comfortable as possible. She is no longer in pain and is at rest.
    We are thinking of you at this difficult time.

  14. Paul & Paula
    June 2nd, 2011 | 3:42 pm

    Steve,Cheryl,Brenda,and Jake, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom,Grandma,and friend. If you need any thing you know we are here for you. Virginia was funny,caring,smart and so full of life. She will be missed. I’m glad that she is not in pain anymore. I bet Kathleen and V will have a great time together.

  15. Lorraine Gerami
    June 14th, 2011 | 9:27 am

    Cheryl and Jake,
    I am so sorry for your loss. I am glad you were able to be there for your mom/grandma during her last days. Take care. Lorraine Gerami

  16. July 11th, 2011 | 8:54 pm

    Cheryl, Steven and family,
    We are so very sorry for your loss. She was an amazing wonderful person.
    You are in our thoughts and prayers!
    Love
    Kristine (Hibbert) Granger and family

  17. Liz McMullen
    August 2nd, 2011 | 12:35 pm

    Cheryl and Stephen,

    I just learned today of your mother’s death, my thoughts are with you. Your mom was such a great lady, I remember plenty of times I was at your house and she was always a loving caring person. Again, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

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Folsom Funeral Service

Folsom Funeral Service