BELFAST – Carol F. Howard, 81, known by all as “Mamie,” died unexpectedly Oct. 19, 2010, at Waldo County General Hospital, Belfast. Carol was born Dec. 23, 1928, in Duluth, Minn., the only child of Rudolph and Sadie (Hendrickson) Paulson. She was very proud of her Finnish and Norwegian heritage, having been third generation of immigrants from Finland. Carol moved to Maine as a teenager, graduating from Crosby High School in 1947. She considered Maine her real home, and was pleased to receive an “official Mainer” birth certificate in 2000 and a promise from her family to never call her an “import.” Carol was employed as an office worker for many years at Penobscot Poultry Co., retiring at age 62. She treasured her home near family in the Poors Mills area for more than 30 years. Mamie lived her life for her family and was an amazing grandmother. She often had all six grandsons, as children, stay overnight at one time. She has left us with so many treasured memories. Mamie is survived by four of her five children, Donna G. Howard and fiance, Jerry Crabtree, of Searsport, Rebekka (Freeman) Merrithew and husband, Jack, of Searsport and Swanville, Susan M. Castro and husband, Manny, of Honolulu, and her only son, Bruce D. Howard of Swanville; and six grandsons, Gary Nickels, Robert Nickels, Travis Nickels and his wife, Heather, Bruce Wood and wife, Michelle, Neal Wood Jr. and wife, Kimberly, and Scott Wood and wife, Tonya. Great-grandchildren include Kristen Nickels, Cade Nickels, Matthew Wood, Kornealius Wood and his sisters, Kristi and Kelsey Jackson, and Sierra, Savanna and Sabrina Wood. Also surviving are son-in-law, Neal Wood Sr. and wife, Susan; “daughter,” Cynthia Patten Lewis and husband, John; several nieces and nephews. Mamie also leaves behind her extended Poors Mills family whom she loved very much. She was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Sandra F. Wood; and sons-in-law, Robert S. Nickels and Carl M. Freeman. As Mamie requested, there will be no formal services. Her wishes were to have family and friends get together and tell funny Mamie stories, of which there are many. This celebration of her life will be held next summer. Arrangements are under the care of Crabiel-Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Ave., Belfast. Condolences may be expressed to Donna Howard, 7 Lake Shore Lane, Searsport, ME 04974 or via e-mail at crab.lj88@207me.com to be shared with the family.
CAROL F. HOWARD
