Audrey (Thomas) Howe, 94, of Albion died Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016. After attending business school in Indianapolis, she was employed at Bridgeport Brass Company during World War II. Moving to Albion in 1963, she was employed by Albion Stockyards, and retired from Ameren CIPS Electric Company. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Princeton and a 50-year member of Golden Fleece Chapter 176 Eastern Star of Princeton.
She was Organizing Regent of Bonpas Chapter, National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a member of Colonial Dames XVII Century, Huguenot Society, Descendants of George Washington’s Army at Valley Forge, First Families of Ohio and many state and county genealogy societies. She was also a Kentucky Colonel.
As a painter and seamstress, she created costumes for Hadi Shrine Temple’s Oriental Band when her husband led the band in parades, wielding a ceremonial scimitar.
Surviving are two daughters, Barbara (Harvey) McCants of Kingsport, Tennessee and Martha (Leroy) Speir of Albion; one son, Richard Stanley (Andrea) Howe of Princeton; a niece, Dottie Hawkins of Indianapolis; ten grandchildren, Anna (Chris) Manley, Brian (Lauren) McCants, Randy (Carol) Speir, Leann (Duane) Lear, Michael (Kristen) Speir, Audra Speir, Catina (Scott) Burkdoll, Gretchen (Todd) Taylor, Hayle Howe and Robert Andrew “Drew” Howe; 17 great-grandchildren, a grand-niece, Robin Karllson and grand-nephew Robert Hawkins.
At her request, no visitation is planned. A private family celebration of her life is planned at a later date following cremation.
Memorial contributions may be made in care of Nale’s Funeral Home, 31 S. 4th St, Albion, IL 62806, to Shriners Hospital for Children or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.