FREEPORT — Irma Gould Howard, 85, of Freeport, died Aug. 5 in Ocala, Florida.

She was born in Freeport on Jan. 14, 1930, a daughter of Margaret (Murray) and Albert Gould. She graduated from Potter Academy in Sebago, and married Harland “Bud” Howard in 1948.

Through the years, Irma worked at several Freeport companies, including a lace factory, Freeport Shoe and L.L. Bean Inc., from which she retired as the mail room supervisor.

After retirement, Howard devoted a great deal of her time to quilting, creating over 100 quilts, some of which were hand-stitched. She also enjoyed crafts, camping and traveling. She and her husband traveled to every state and every province, and enjoyed square and round dancing.

She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, patience and great love of family.

Howard was predeceased by her grandson, Christopher Michael Howard; three sisters, Eleanor Moody, Evelyn Osgood and Adelaide Moore; and a brother, Albert Gould Jr.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Harland “Bud” Howard, of Freeport; her three sons, James A. Howard, of Freeport, Stephen E. Howard, of Utah, and Michael A. Howard, of Freeport; her daughter, Wendy M. Howard, of Florida; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; an expected great-grandchild; her sisters, Daphne Gagnon, of Connecticut, Clara Muller, of Florida, Ulla Stowell, of Portland, and Velma Gagne, of New Hampshire; her brother, Robert Gould, of Oklahoma; and a large extended family.

A funeral was held Aug. 15 at First Baptist Church of Freeport, with the Rev. Sandy Williams officiating. Burial followed in Burr Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Howard’s memory to Hospice of Marion County, Fund Development Department, 3231 SW 34th Ave., Ocala, FL 34474.

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