Noreen Catherine Howard

Nora “Noreen” Catherine Howard was born on June 19, 1929 in London, England. She passed away on December 20, 2024, in Salem, OR after bravely battling Dementia and its effects for her last five years. She was 95 beautiful years old. 

She was born in London and raised and spent her youth in Tullylease, County Cork, Ireland. Noreen spent her childhood with her parents Thomas Francis “Sonny” Roche and Julia Catherine “Sheila” Hunt and twin brother Thomas William “Louie” Roche and her younger brother Edward “Eddie” Roche. In 1955 Noreen met Eric Howard and they married on July 12th, 1958. In 1962 they emigrated to America with their three-year-old daughter, Yvonne, and landed in San Francisco, CA, where Eric worked in the banking industry. Two sons, Thomas & Bruce, came along shortly after the move to America in 1964 & 1966. Eric and Noreen divorced in 1980, but were great friends and doting grandparents up to the time of Eric's passing in 2016. The family owned and operated two English Fish and Chip restaurants in Oregon, the Piccadilly Pub in Salem and the Tower of London in Corvallis. Later in life Noreen worked at Macleay Country Inn and then spent several years as a Nanny for families that she absolutely cherished, before retiring to spend much time with her grandkids who gave her absolute joy. 

As many children think of their mothers, Noreen was a true Saint. She would give the clothes off her back or the food on her plate to anyone she loved or anyone in need. You always had to be careful what you complimented her on as she would undoubtedly give you whatever she had. Her smile and positive nature never faded. Although she never remarried, we always said, only half joking, that she was married to Jesus. Her faith never wavered and was of the utmost importance to her. 

Noreen is survived by daughter Yvonne (Thomas) of Lake Oswego, OR; sons Tom (Lisa) of Keizer, OR and Bruce (Karen) of Gresham, OR; as well as grandchildren Kaitlin, Trevor, Samantha, Rachel and Drake. Noreen was loved and we will miss her dearly. The family would like to thank Harmony House Memory Care and Serenity Hospice Care for their service to Noreen and her family. A private family service and celebration of life will be held at a future date. Contributions in memory of Noreen may be made to the worthy charity of your choosing.