Obituary of Vietta Pearl Howden

To view the livestreamed service, please click HERE

Vietta Pearl Howden passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 10, 2024 in her 102nd year.

Survived by brother Elmer (Beatrice) Sauder and three generations of nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by parents, Aaron (1986) and Susanna (1971) Sauder, sister Alta Eileen Sauder (1944), first husband Nelson Schneider (1983), second husband Frederick Howden (2002).

Born in a farmhouse near St Jacobs, Pearl was fond of rural life. She found joy working on the land, growing flowers and vegetables in her gardens, collecting recipes, cooking and talking about food. She adored her many pets, especially Tammy, her beloved lab. Pearl’s extraordinary life, spanning more than a century, was a blend of traditional and modern ways, from childhood travel by horse and buggy to world travel by plane and boat with second husband, Fred. A talented crocheter, knitter and quilter, Pearl’s artistic creations were often gifted to new babies in the family. With a keen eye for colour, Pearl’s outfits were stylish and her eyes lit up telling a joke and sharing a laugh.

Fiercely independent, Pearl zipped around KW on public transit well into her 90’s. Severe hearing and vision loss over the last few years of her life were difficult for Pearl’s restless, energetic spirit. But, as her wonderful caregivers at Trinity summed it up in their tribute: “Pearl was feisty in a good way!”

Special thanks to the Pinewoods team at Trinity Care Centre for their compassionate care.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 2:00 pm, followed by a reception. Before the service, burial of the ashes will be at St. James Evangelical Lutheran cemetery in Elmira at 12:30 pm.

Condolences for the family and donations to Kitchener East Presbyterian Church or Trinity Village (Lutheran Homes K-W) may be arranged through www.erbgood.com.