Rita Alberta Howard

Rita Alberta (Altemus) Howard, the beloved wife of William Henry Howard, with whom she celebrated 64 years of marriage, a Lowell resident, died on Monday July 21, 2014 following a period of declining health. She was 84.
She was born in Lowell on January 29, 1930, a daughter of the late Ernest and Irene (Hamelin) Altemus.
Previously Rita had worked at the Yum Yum Shop and Wellwoods at the Sunrise Plaza in Lowell. She retired as an assembler at Analog devices.
She was a member of the Christ Church United in Dracut. Rita was an avid quilter and was a member of the Tewksbury Quilters Guild. Most of all Rita cherished the time spent with her grandchildren where she was instrumental in their childhood.
Rita's family is grateful for the wonderful care she was given by Jen Cognac and her children, Jessica, Justin, Michael, and Brieanna.
Surviving her besides her husband are a daughter and son in law, Gerrie and joseph Corrigan of Sharon; a son Gregg Howard and his fiancé Jennifer both of Lowell; a son in law, William Shugrue of Lowell; four grandchildren, Keri Fournier and her husband Terry of Hudson, NH, Jami Shugrue of Lowell, Leah Corrigan of Brighton, Rachael Corrigan of Sharon, one great grandchild, Olivia Fournier; two sisters, Lucille Simoneau, of Medford, Elaine Dauphinais of Jefferson, OR; and several nieces and nephews. She was the mother of the late Pamela Shugrue, and sister of the late Joseph and John Altemus, and Patricia McCarthy