1927 – 2016

AUBURN — Frances “Bette” Howland, 89, formerly of Standish died peacefully Wednesday, Nov. 2, at the Androscoggin Hospice House from complications of Alzheimer’s.

Bette was born Aug. 18, 1927, at Fort Banks Army Hospital in Winthrop, Mass. Bette was the daughter of James F. King and Eileen N. King (Poloski). Shortly after birth, the family relocated to Schofield Barracks in Oahu, Hawaii, and then to Fort McKinley, Great Diamond Island.

Bette graduated from Portland High School in 1945.

In 1948, Bette married Leonard Duggan and had two sons, John and James.

While working at Sun Federal Savings in 1971, she met and married Donald M. Howland of Howland Homes Realty. They were married for 27 years before his death in 1998.

Bette had a very strong work ethic with positions at Chaplin Motors, Sun Savings, GMAC and St. Joseph’s College.

Bette loved to travel and did so extensively with Don while attending annual conventions with the Flying Tigers of the 14th Air Force Association. Bette’s most cherished trips were to the Orient, sailing the British Virgin Islands and their many trips to Florida.

Bette had many talents, she thoroughly enjoyed reading, working in her gardens, knitting and cross stitching, which she shared with her friends and family.

Bette is survived by her two sons, James and John Duggan; her stepdaughter, Claudia Trimble and her husband, William; her stepson, Scott Howland and his wife, Karen; her sister, Sandra King Bolduc and her husband, Maurice; two brothers, William and James King; her grandchildren, Jamie Sladky, Kylie Bean, Ethan Duggan, Laura Rogers, Linda Garcia, Cindy Bazala and Candace Gonyea. Bette is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren.

One of Bette’s last and most uplifting moments was a visit from her five month old great-grandaughter, Reagan Rebecca Bean.

Bette was predeceased by her parents; her husband; two brothers Vinnie and Dick King; and her stepchildren, Raymond and Elizabeth Howland.

The family wants to recognize the sacrifice and devotion and love that was given to Bette during her illness by her sister, Sandra; and niece, Eileen Fanjoy.

Bette was a member of Christ’s Chapel, Raymond, and a devout Christian woman. Her faith sustained her through many seasons of her life.

Online condolences may be left for the family at hallfuneralhome.net.