PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Catherine (Samalionis) Howson, 89, wife of the late Edward C. Howson, died February 5, 2018, in Canton, Conn. 

Born March 10, 1928 in Pittsfield, daughter of Frank J. and Mary Varneilene Samalionis, she was a lifelong Pittsfield resident. Catherine and Ed were married on July 7, 1951, at St. Mark’s Church and were best friends until his death in 2012.

She is survived by her daughter, Monica H. Fowler and son-in-law Scott of Ponte Vedra, Fla., her son Mark E. Howson and daughter-in-law Jill of Linwood, N.J.; daughter-in-law Jacqueline Howson of Glastonbury, Conn.; grandchildren Kevin and Melissa Howson, also of Glastonbury; grandchildren Ryan and Megan Bralski of Linwood, N.J.; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her youngest son, Matthew C. Howson in 2014; her brother Anthony F. Samalionis in 2011; and her sister Nellie V. Daunis in 2006.

Attending Pittsfield schools, Catherine graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1945. Prior to her marriage, she was employed by General Electric Company, Berkshire Life Insurance Company, and Callahan Outdoor Advertising. She later became executive secretary for the Berkshire County Republican Association for more than 20 years, retiring in 1999. She served on the City of Pittsfield Board of Registrars of Voters for 24 years.

Catherine was a member of Sacred Heart Parish since 1952 and a long time member of Sacred Heart’s Monday Morning Craft Group. She enjoyed crafting, plants, and most notably, her grandchildren.

The family would like to extend special thanks to her caregivers at Mount Carmel Care Center of Lenox, Cherry Brook Health Care, Canton, CT, and McLean Hospice, Simsbury, Conn.

Funeral notice: The funeral for Catherine Howson will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, February 10, 2018, at Sacred Heart Church on Elm Street with the Rev. Peter Gregory officiating. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2018, at Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford St., Pittsfield.

Burial will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery on Pecks Road in Pittsfield. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC, 20090-6011, or Sacred Heart Church, 191 Elm St., Pittsfield, MA  01201.