Obituary of Dorothy Howell
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Dorothy Christina (Forsythe) Howell announce her passing at the Kiwanis Nursing Home on April 27, 2026, at the age of 94.
Born in Waterford, New Brunswick, on June 13, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Gordon and Ella Mae (McFarlane) McGarrigle. Dorothy attended school in Waterford, Rockville, and Saint John, graduating from Saint John Vocational School in 1948.
Dorothy was first married to Lawrence Forsythe, and together they raised five wonderful sons in Waterford. They shared 43 beautiful years of marriage until his passing in 1993.
In her early years, Dorothy worked as a secretary at Sims Brush Factory in Saint John and later alongside Lawrence at Paul’s Laundry for a time. However, she was most proud of her role as a stay-at-home mother, a job she loved above all others.
Dorothy did not drive for much of her life, but after Lawrence’s passing, her church minister encouraged her to learn. At the age of 63, she took lessons with Cliff’s Driver Training and quickly took to driving “like a duck to water.” Earning her license brought her a great sense of independence. She was soon always on the go—running errands in Sussex and happily driving friends to community suppers, bingo, and card parties.
In 2002, Dorothy married Arthur Howell, and together they shared ten wonderful years filled with travel, community events, bowling, card parties, and bus trips. They never let a day pass without a few games of crib, all while teasing each other and sharing many laughs. It was truly a match made in heaven.
Dorothy was devoted to her church, Saint John’s Evangelist in Waterford, where she was an active member of the choir, Sunday School, and ACW, and served as vestry clerk for many years. She was also a proud member of the Waterford 50 Plus Club.
On December 22, 2021, Dorothy moved to the Kiwanis Nursing Home, where she enjoyed her time as a resident and made many new friends.
She will live on in the hearts of her sons: Allison Forsythe (Elizabeth) of Waterford, Michael Forsythe (Linda) of Fall River, NS, Jamie Forsythe (Debbie) of Berwick and Mark Forsythe (Tia) of Halifax, NS; her sister, Marilyn Dalling (Leslie) of Waterford; her grandchildren: Nicole (Luigi Picciola), Stacey (Gavin Isenor), Jaime (Lachlan MacDonald), Megan (Alex Martin), Evan Forsythe (Sarah), Corey Forsythe (Cassandra), Liam Forsythe, Anna Forsythe and Fiona Forsythe; 15 great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents and first husband, she is predeceased by her second husband, Arthur Howell who passed away in 2013; her brother David McGarrigle and by her son, Terrance Forsythe.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176). A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 11:00am at St. Mark's Anglican Church (4 Needle St., Sussex Corner, NB).
Donations in memory of Dorothy can be made to St. John’s Evangelist Cemetery, or a charity of the donor's choice. Donations and personal condolences to the family may be made through www.wallacefuneralhome.com
