We are sad to announce the passing of our mother, Anne, in the early hours of September 9th at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria.  She was born in Baltimore, MD to a family of 2 sisters and 2 brothers. She is survived by her brother Roger (Lynn) Thompson and sister Susan Ballinger. She will be greatly missed by her daughters Patience Milam, Barbara (Mitch) Holme and Lucile (Jonathan) Mears, as well as her grandchildren Sasha, Keegan, Sydney, Zachariah and Cameron. She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Henry Fuller Howden in 2014.

Anne received a Masters degree from the University of North Carolina in 1950 in Entomology. In 1953, she and Henry moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, then in 1957, to Ottawa. Anne and Henry travelled the world collecting insects for research. They met many colleagues along the way and their house at Trillium Avenue became known as the ‘Howden Hotel’ for other like-minded scientists. Anne was a consummate hostess and her calendar was always full with her research and collaboration with entomologists.

Anne’s focus in entomology was on the study of beetles. She was a Research Associate for Carleton University and later an Honorary Research Associate for the Canadian Museum of Nature. She was a member of the Entomological Society of America, the Entomological Society of Canada and one of only 14 Honorary Members of The Coleopterists  Society. She published over 25 scientific papers on weevils, in which she described 96 species new to science. She was well known for her meticulous and highly detailed scientific work. With Henry, she built an extensive collection of beetles numbering 450,000 specimens, which was later donated to the Canadian Museum of Nature. In addition to her scientific studies and achievements and her skills as a gardener, seamstress, chef and birdwatcher, she was an attentive, devoted mother who showed her love in many ways. She was especially proud of naming a special weevil after each of her children and then presenting them with the publication.

There will be a memorial service for friends and family held at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive on Thursday, September 15th, 2016 at 10:00 am with reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada would be appreciated.

Condolences for the family may be offered below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • Lewis Ling

    Dear Lucie, Patricia and Patience,
    Sorry to hear of your mother passing. She was a great Lady enjoyed working with her and her gardening expertise.
    Lew

  • Fenja Brodo

    Dear Patience, Barbara and Lucile,
    Your mother was a role model for me and for other female entomologists. Both your parents left quite a legacy in Ottawa. My sincere condolences,
    Fenja Brodo

  • Carol Lavender Devine

    So very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing Barb, Lucy and Patience. I will always remember her. I send my love and huge hugs.

  • Betty and Jim Neelin

    Dear Lucie, Patricia and Patience,

    We have so many happy memories of times spent with your parents. Your Mom was a good friend. We send our sincere condolences.

    We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

    Betty and Jim Neelin

  • Hans Frederiksen

    We are thinking of you Lucy and family The loss of a parent is never easy, but know your mom is in a good place god Bless you Hans

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