HOWITT, Noelle Yvonne Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend formerly of Burnaby and Kelowna, died in Langley, BC on August 18, 2013. She was 81 years old. Noelle was born in Empress, Alberta on April 14, 1932. She was the daughter of prairie homesteaders and grew up on the family farm. She attended school in Acadia Valley and later at the convent school, St. Teresa's Academy in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Her father was a progressive man and ensured that each of his daughters was well educated and entered adulthood with a career, so after high school, Noelle travelled to Minneapolis to live with an aunt and train in the emerging career of Medical Laboratory Technologist. Noelle started her career in Medicine Hat, Alberta, where she also met a young, handsome RCMP officer, Charles William (Bill) Howitt. They were married in 1954 and soon had three children: a son, Joseph, and two daughters, Coleen and Charlotte. Bill was transferred and the young family moved to Burnaby, BC, where Noelle had a long and very rewarding career at Burnaby General Hospital. She loved her work and made lifelong friends among her colleagues. In retirement, Noelle and Bill moved to Kelowna, BC. They enjoyed travelling but also spent many hours enjoying home life, their dog, deer and birds in the yard, a view of the lake and visits from family and friends. Through her church, Noelle was active in community service. Her efforts improved the lives of many and brought her lasting friendships. Noelle was a strong, independent woman who lived her life with faith, courage and integrity. She leaves her children, W. Joseph (Lori Bond-Widner), Coleen (Bryan Ennis), and Charlotte, grandchildren Cali, Rogan, Josh, Jeremy, Tanner, Rachel, Alicia and Amanda, and great-grandchildren Alexa, Derek, and Cody. The last of her generation in the J.J. Niwa family, she also leaves nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles William Howitt, her father, Joseph John Niwa, mother Rosalia (nee Mahura), her sisters Aileen and Lorry, and her brothers Dennis and Leo. The family would like to thank Doctors Fyles and Bachand at the BC Cancer Agency, family doctors Lacroix (in Kelowna) and Chapman (in Langley), and the palliative care nurses in Kelowna and Langley for their support and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Agency or a charity of your choice. A funeral mass will be held at St. Pius X Church in Kelowna on Friday, August 23rd at 2:00 PM. Ashes will be buried in Kelowna at a later date.