Edelle Beattie Howell

Edelle Howell Beattie, age 87, of Bay City, died peacefully March 17, 2012. She was born February 10, 1925, in Duluth, Minnesota, to Swedish immigrants Matt and Selma (Westerberg) Edson. At the age of two, she moved with her family to Flint, Michigan, where she spent her youth in a tight knit Swedish community. As a young woman, she worked as a saleswoman and buyer for the Kings Clothing Company of Flint. While there, a coworker introduced her to her brother, a handsome young soldier, who would become her husband. She married Clark V. Howell on October 5, 1946, and together they raised two sons, Clark V. Howell, Jr., and Michael V. Howell. The family made their home in Essexville, MI, and Edelle dedicated herself completely to her family. She was a devoted mother, and their home was a warm and welcoming place. Shortly after her beloved Clark died in 1976, Edelle returned to the Flint area. She went to work at Old Kent Bank in Grand Blanc, where she spent many years. Once again, a coworker introduced her to a gentleman named Clark, and before long she and Clark Beattie were married. They made their home in Elba Twp., MI, where she happily settled into the country life. After Clarks death in 1995, Edelle continued to live in her home until returning to Bay City in 2008, to be nearer to her family. Edelle loved books, antiques, birds and angels. She loved music and decorating and visiting with friends. Her greatest joy in life, however, was her family. In addition to her beloved sons, Clark and Mike, she was known as Mom to Ed "Cork" Haven. Also surviving are her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Mary; her grandchildren, Julie (Mike) Romein, Molly (fiance Jordan Weingarten) Howell, Nicholas (Trisha), Nicole and Annie Howell; her great-grandchildren, Hayden and Maalik Howell, and Mary Rose and Hannah Grace Romein; her step-son, Maynard (Peg) Beattie; her step-daughters, Susan Denise Beattie; and her step-grandson, Scott Beattie.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 21, at 11 oclock at Lynch Sons Funeral Directors, Capstick Chapel, 542 Liberty Park, Lapeer. Friends may visit on Tuesday from 2pm until 8pm. Interment will be in St. Patrick Cemetery, Bay City. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Parkinson Foundation, 30400 Telegraph Road, Suite 150, Bingham Farms, MI 48025.