Shirley Reta Howes

Shirley Reta Howes, 98, formerly of Chapman Blvd., Ottawa, passed away Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the Ottawa Hospital, Civic Campus. Born in New Glasgow, NS, Shirley was the daughter of the late Arthur and late Dorothy (Mathews) Hambleton.

Shirley received her certificate of Fashion Design from a US Chicago college as a young adult while working with Singer in Halifax. She met her husband Douglas Sidney Howes RCN while serving tea at a local church when he was on shore leave following WWII.

Shirley and Doug were posted from Halifax to Victoria and then Ottawa, where they enjoyed many friends and activities. Shirley worked at Hillcrest High School, teaching sewing and achieving praises from the principal for her dedication to her students.

Doug and Shirley were avid campers, with trips starting in British Columbia (1959) and continued for Shirley well into her 90’s including canoeing at Charleston Lake Provincial Park with Norm and Rosanne. Other activities included downhill and cross-country skiing, skating on the Rideau Canal, golf, curling and as members in a hiking club. These activities were jointly enjoyed by many visiting relatives from Nova Scotia and the Eastern Townships of Quebec. Visits were reciprocated with many summer trips to Nova Scotia and long wonderful days at Melmerby Beach Provincial Park.

Doug and Shirley attended music courses at the University of Ottawa and made two trips to New York, NY to see concerts by the great Pavarotti. Indeed, they traveled the world extensively including most of Europe, Russia and China. Trips with her sister Joyce included India, Europe, the Caribbean and South America.

Survived by her daughter Rosanne Howes and son Norman Howes and grand cat Theia, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her parents Arthur and Dorothy (Matthews) Hambleton, stepmother Margaret (MacPherson) Hambleton; husband Douglas Sidney Howes; eight siblings, E. Stella MacKenzie Irving; A. Leslie Hambleton, John Hambleton; Dorothy M. Hambleton; Douglas Hambleton; Jean Abbass; Harold Hambleton; Marion Joyce MacMullen and energetic poodle Pepe.

A memorial service will be held in the Sacred Space at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 1 p.m. Following the service, Shirley will be interred next to Doug on this meaningful day, their wedding anniversary.

Donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to the Ottawa Humane Society.