Linn Howells

Ann “Linn” Read Howells, 70, beloved wife of Thomas “Tom” Howells and a resident of Cape Charles, Va., formerly of Horsham, Penn., died peacefully surrounded by her family, on July 9, 2016, at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Nassawadox, Va.  Her long brave battle with Multiple Sclerosis came to an end, but not due to her valiant fight.

In addition to her loving husband, who provided gentle care and affection to Linn over the years, survivors include her daughter, Kimberlee Howells Applegate and her husband James, and her grandson, James Thomas Applegate, whom Linn and Tom affectionately called “Scooter”, all of Cape Charles; her brother, George C. Read, Jr. and his wife Carol, of The Villages in Florida; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

Born November 21, 1945 in Philadelphia, Penn., Linn was a daughter of the late George C. Read and Alma Eberz Read.  She graduated from Gwynedd Mercy Academy in 1963, and Chestnut Hill School of Nursing in 1966, as a Registered Nurse.  She spent time as both a hospital and private duty nurse, but found her calling as a mother to be most important.  Linn could often be seen on the sidelines of many sporting events, supporting her daughter Kim, which earned her the nickname of “Team Mom”.  In addition to caring for her family, she jokingly called herself a “Domestic Engineer”, referring to her taking care of their home as best possible.  She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, deeply loving all of her family.

Linn touched many lives and inspired many people afflicted with MS.  She was a strong supporter of MS research, participating in cutting-edge clinical trials, that have gone on to benefit others with the disease.

Private services will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Linn’s name, may be made to the National MS Society, 4200 Innslake Drive, Suite 301, Glen Allen, Va.  23060, www.nationalmssociety.org.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.