Dear Friend,

I'm saddened to share with you that former State Representative Marie Howe passed away earlier this month. Her life was a shining example of the impact we can have on the people around us when we commit ourselves to public service, and the necessity of that service is something I've been reflecting on recently.

Marie was a lifelong resident of Somerville and was unwavering in her dedication to working on behalf of her neighbors. She served as the State Representative for the 31st Middlesex District from 1965 to 1988, and during her laudable three decades she spent fighting on behalf of her community on Beacon Hill she built a true legacy of public service.

Marie fought on behalf of consumers, pushing for transparency and fair practices in automobile purchases. She fought on behalf of women, serving as co-chair of the newly formed Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators in 1975, during a time when there were 16 women total in the House and Senate.

She fought on behalf of human rights, advocating for an end to the harmful treatment of citizens in Northern Ireland during the troubles, even protesting a visit from the Royal Family. She defended her Sri Lankan constituents and in 1981 filed a resolution on behalf of Sri Lanka Tamils living in Somerville.

In her eighty-five years of life, Marie never shied away from her commitment to humanity, at home in Somerville and around the world. As we mourn her passing, we must celebrate her life and look to her as an example as we navigate this new era in our nation's history. Let us all aspire to be as unflinching and unapologetic an advocate for all of our neighbors as Marie Howe was. Let us never be quieted when we raise our voices to speak on behalf of those who are fighting to be heard.

If you wish to commemorate her life of service, donations may be made in Marie’s memory to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation at T2T.org. You can also leave messages of condolences to her family here.

Onward,