OLD ORCHARD BEACH — On Sunday, May 17, 2015, Bonnie M. Howard lost her fierce and courageous battle with lung cancer, and clean and sober, began a new journey, her next great adventure.
Born in Waterville on May 12, 1949, she was the daughter of the late Lewis G. Howard and Doris M. (Dupont) Howard of Oakland.
Bonnie was a strong, kind and giving woman. Volunteering was her passion and she was a master at discovering accommodations that would help others to succeed. The 15 years prior to her retirement, Bonnie worked at Community Partners, Inc. in Biddeford, helping her charges to work independently in the community and teaching them self-advocacy.
Her children and grandchildren were precious gifts and great sources of joy in her life. Her sister, Cindy, was near and dear to her, a treasure for whom she had great love, and she carried her mother-in-law, Hazel, in a very special place in her heart, always. She loved them far more than she could ever express.
Bonnie’s playfulness, boisterous laughter and infectious smile touched everyone. She was a beautiful and happy person with a heart as big as the whole outdoors. Nature was her chapel, the animals her mentors. Nothing pleased her more than immersing herself in the sights, sounds and smells of these natural surroundings, a campfire her ultimate joy.
Our special memories of Bonnie will sustain and comfort us through the years to come. She was a forever gift and will be sorely missed.
Bonnie is survived by: her loving and devoted partner, Cheryl D. Sterling of Old Orchard Beach; her sister, Cynthia S. Moxcey and husband Jeffrey of Waterville; her mother-in-law, Hazel B. Davis of Portland; her two stepsons, Lars Sterling of Old Orchard Beach, and Harri Sterling and his wife Ashley of Saco; and two grandchildren, Broderick (Brody), and Nyah Sterling of Saco.
A celebration of life will be held in her honor at a date yet to be determined.
The family would like to extend their deep and heartfelt thanks to Hospice of Southern Maine and New England Cancer Specialists for all their care, compassion and guidance. This hard-fought home battle would not have been possible without them.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory be made to the Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Route 1, Scarborough, ME 04074, or a charity of your choice.
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