Lost much too soon

Our work week began just like any other last week. However nothing could prepare us for the shocking and heart wrenching news we received last Tuesday morning. My husband called me at work and informed me that Mark had passed away. I had to ask him to repeat because it was not registering. I immediately thought Mark had been in a car accident however I later learned it may have been a heart attack that occurred while he was on a job. I will never forget that moment of being in the warehouse of my work completely heart broken and sobbing uncontrollably. How could this happen? Why to such a young and healthy man? There were no signs. We just spent Saturday with Linda & Mark at their home. Ava played in their yard with Joe Joe puppies as we sat outside chatting. We just couldn't believe it. Nothing prepares you for a sudden death in the family. This devastating news is so difficult to comprehend and accept.

Immediately the family gathered at Linda's home in complete and utter shock. There are just no words that could make sense or comfort this devastating loss. In the midst of our tears we all shared some of our fondest memories of Mark such as his jokes, his countless weather updates, his love for his family and for animals.

I was so taken back by family and friends who shared their positive thoughts, prayers, love and support for us. Many of whom either didn't know Mark well or at all but were there for us when we needed them the most. We are so blessed to have had these people help us get through last week, the weekend and into the future.

Now that the service and burial is behind us, we must now face a new reality. A new reality which doesn't include Mark in our everyday lives. This is going to be very painful. Our hearts may never heal completely without his presence. I'm sure there will constant reminders where he will be desperately missed - especially as the holidays soon approach us. May we find strength in the Lord to heal our wounded hearts as we mourn the loss a man who was a husband, a father, a brother and friend to all who knew him. A wonderful man who was taken much too soon.

Ava is at the age of three where she questions where people are and why things happen. We have been telling her simple things so that she gradually understands that Grandpa Mark is no longer with us on earth. On the morning of the funeral she asked us where we were going and we informed her that we were going to say goodbye to Grandpa, he is no longer with us and is in heaven with the Lord. We will make sure she knows how much her Grandpa adored and loved her. And how he will always watch over her.

Remembering...

Mark S. Howard

• BORN: February 19, 1956
• DIED: October 18, 2011
• RESIDENCE: Easton, MA

EASTON-------Mark S. Howard, 55, of Easton, died unexpectedly at the Good Samaritan Medical Center on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 after being stricken ill while working. He was the husband of Linda (Rooslet) Howard for 19 years.

Born in Stoughton on February 19, 1956, a son of John "Jack" Howard of Easton and the late Doris M. (Wheelock) Howard, he was raised in Easton and was a graduate of Oliver Ames High School.
A former resident of Abington and Rockland he moved to Easton 14 years ago. Mark was employed as a Heating Engineer and was the proprietor of New England Heating Inc. of Weymouth for 20
years.

A devoted husband, father, son, brother and grandfather, Mark enjoyed the simplicity of nature and animals. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed working around his home. In addition to his wife Linda and his father, he is survived by two children, Victor Albonetty and his wife Maurilia of New Bedford and Tiffany Vento of Easton; a brother, Dean Howard of Easton; a sister,Kimberly Beretta of Lincoln, RI.; a granddaughter, Ava Albonetty; and several extended family members.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Friday from 4-8 p.m. in Kane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 605 Washington Street (Rte.138) Easton. A graveside service will be held on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in Furnace Village Cemetery, Easton. Donations in Mark's memory may be sent to the Animal Protection Center of Southeastern Massachusetts, 1300 West Elm Street Extension, Brockton, MA. 02301. For directions or condolences visit
www.kanefuneralhome.com