Obituary
Marie E Howe – Of Malden formerly of Somerville December 2, 2024.
As Massachusetts completes the celebration of Irish American Heritage Month and Women’s History Month in March, here’s a special shout-out to former Massachusetts State Representative Marie E. Howe, a notable Irish-American woman.
A lifelong resident of Somerville, Howe was elected to the House of Representatives from the 31st Middlesex District, holding office from 1965 to 1988. While in office, Marie also served on the Commerce and Labor, Rules, and Ways and Means Committees. She was instrumental in supporting a stronger Lemon Law to make sure consumers got fair treatment when purchasing automobiles.
Marie was also a trailblazer in terms of women’s equality. In April 1975, Representative Howe and State Representative Lois Pines served as co-chairs of the newly formed Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, during a time when there were 16 women total in the House and Senate.
Today there are more than 60 legislators in the Massachusetts Caucus of Women. Among the pressing issues of that time was the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment in Massachusetts, and more locally, the right of women to have equal pay, equal opportunities and equal decision-making duties at the State House.
Representative Howe’s longstanding commitment to peace and justice in Northern Ireland is one of the hallmarks of her illustrious career. The daughter of Irish immigrants from Cork and Armagh, Howe objected to the poor treatment of Northern Ireland nationalists at the hands of the British Government during the 1970s and 1980s and was quick to protest against British officials who came to town, including a visit from the Royal Family and a visit of a British Tall Ship. She worked closely with Amnesty International and local groups concerned about the Northern Ireland troubles. In 1979 she introduced a House Resolution calling upon the Governor to declare March 17 as Human Rights Day in Ireland.
Howe was also a strong supporter of human rights in Sri Lanka, and in 1981 filed a resolution on behalf of Sri Lanka Tamils living in Somerville.
Marie Howe’s papers from her legislative career are at the Massachusetts State Library in the State House. The papers in the collection consist primarily of correspondence relating to her official duties in the legislature, as well as materials on Northern Ireland and Sri Lanka and her investigation into problems on the MBTA red line.
Visiting hours for Marie will be held Tuesday morning, December 10, 2024, in St. Ann Church, 399 Medford St. Somerville from 9:00am to 11:00am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00. Relatives and friends invited.
I used to deliver the Journal to Marie’s office on Highland Ave. and Spring Hill Terrace.
RIP!
Sorry to hear this, I remember Marie well and her two brothers.
Great family.
Marie was best friends with my Aunt Kathy,
They were inseparable. I have always looked up to her as a Community Leader in Somerville.
I’ll never forget singing the “Banks” in her kitchen to her Dad in her kitchen. My grandad and John played together on the only All Ireland Championship Hurling Team from Boston ever! 1930 .
The end of an era. Lots of love
Dan Creedon
RIP Marie. A very good friend of my dad’s for years. She performed my husband and I wedding ceremony 34 years ago. She was a fighter in what she believed in and a trailblazer for women.
What a great role model she was. I remember my Mom always stopping to talk to her if she saw her shopping in Davis Square. She was so kind to all us kids, always with a smile. She will be sorely missed. Godspeed sweet lady.
Marie Howe I was sad to hear of her passing I worked on a few of her reelections when I was living in Somerville always was a nice lady and always treated me well, we had some great conversations on a boat load to topics when I was young R.I.P. Rep. Howe and Thank you for your service and hard work.
Marie Howe was the kind of person who Always showed up and followed through with any request for help. She was not afraid to fight for anyone’s rights. She truly was there for everyone. What stood out about her most was her heart & determination.
A great American and advocate for the working class, the disadvantaged, and those in need. She was a doer and fierce fighter for human rights and dignity. A true follower of Jesus Christ, may she rest peacefully.,
Marie invited our Special Olympics athletes to visit with an Olympic group from Taiwan. Our staff and athletes had a wonderful dinner in Chinatown, met some great people, and spent a day showing them Boston & Somerville. It was a great event she arranged