Anna Mae (Bellavance) Howe, 87, beloved aunt, loving friend to many, nurse extraordinaire, and advocate for the needy, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 30, 2013 in Austin, TX, where she resided for the past four years.

She was born in Norton, MA, on May 13, 1926, to Oscar and Blanche Bellavance. She was proud to be a registered nurse; having been in the Cadet Nurse Corps during

WW II, graduating from Morton Hospital School of Nursing in 1948. Always a strong supporter of continuing education, Anna Mae received her Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Edwards University in Austin, TX in 1982. Her 40-year nursing career included positions in public health, obstetrical, industrial, private duty, VA and general hospital nursing in cities such as Attleboro, Boston, New York City, Las Vegas and Austin. From 1958-1960 she held the position of Senior Staff Nurse for the Arabian American Oil Company, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

Ever adventurous and independent, Anna Mae embarked upon an unaccompanied trip around the world after completion of her work abroad. Not many women traveled alone at that time, but Anna Mae was a trailblazer.

While working in Saudi Arabia, Anna Mae met the love of her life, Thomas Howe. They were married at St. Mary’s Church in Norton on November 12, 1960 and enjoyed a happy life together in Austin, TX, until his death in 1981.

After the death of her husband, Anna Mae returned to Norton to be close to her siblings and many family members and friends. Always a devout Catholic, she attended daily mass at St. Mary’s Church in Norton and prayed the rosary each day. Her active life included volunteer work at the Providence Performing Arts Center and Great Woods (now Comcast Center). She loved water aerobics classes at the Attleboro YMCA where she had many wonderful friends. Dancing was another joy in her life, especially ballroom and line dancing. She also enjoyed working at the polls on Election Day.

Anna Mae was preceded in death by her parents and dear siblings, sisters Louise (Bussiere), Ida (Bliss), Ruth (Czerwonka), and brothers Raymond, Armand, and Leo.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins, and a large circle of friends. Anna Mae loved life and was an inspiration to all by her example of selfless devotion to family and friends and to anyone in need. She will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, 1 Power St., Norton. Burial will follow in the Timothy Plain Cemetery, Norton MA.

Source: Sherman & Jackson/Norton Funeral Home Norton & Mansfield MA.