Obituary of Helen A. Howlett

Helen Tytul Howlett, 81, went to be with her Lord on November 26, after a courageous battle with cancer. Her family remained by her side throughout her final journey. Helen was born in Rome, the youngest child of Jack and Anna Smolij Tytul. She was a proud graduate of Rome Free Academy and maintained strong ties with her classmates for her entire life. In 1961, she married Warren Howlett, a blessed union of fifty-five years. Helen worked at Griffiss Air Force Base until her marriage, but resigned her position to raise her family. She was a dedicated mom who took pride in her children's college educations, careers, and activities. Later, she reveled in her granddaughters' academic, musical, and athletic talents. Helen was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker whose every effort was dedicated to her husband's, children's, grandchildren's, and friends' lives. Holiday dinners were cherished celebrations at the Howlett home, enhanced by Helen's culinary talents and hospitality. No one could ever forget the taste of her blueberry, strawberry/rhubarb, or apple pies, created from fresh ingredients that she harvested. Everyone who was privileged to know her will recall the joys of family and friends' company that she treasured. Helen was an active member of the Westmoreland United Methodist Church, sang in the church's choir, and enriched congregational dinners with her delicious creations. She was known throughout the Westmoreland community for delivering her home-cooked delights to those in need. She enjoyed the fellowship of the Westlanders Senior Citizens and her Red Hatters' Society friends. Helen was an outdoor sports enthusiast and loved to swim, golf, cross-country ski, and camp with her family, and also enjoyed fishing trips on Oneida Lake with her dear friend, Jack Henke. In addition to her husband, Helen leaves a daughter, Karen, of Westmoreland, and a son Todd (Barbara), of Marcy. She also leaves two beloved granddaughters: Jordyn and Erin Howlett. A sister, Olga Gadz, and a brother, Michael Tytul (Clara), survive her, as do several nieces and nephews. Her parents and sisters, Mary Tytul Evans and Adele Tytul Palinski, predeceased Helen. Two special grandkitties, Colby and Barney, will dearly miss her loving attention. The family thanks the nurses and staff at the Siegenthaler Center for their caring support. Calling hours will be Thursday, December 1, 2016 from 10-11:30 am at the Westmoreland United Methodist Church, 7286 W. Main St., Westmoreland, NY, with the funeral service to be held immediately thereafter. Burial will follow at Rome Cemetery, Jervis Ave., Rome, NY. Friends and family are invited to attend a luncheon at the church following the burial. Please consider contributions to the church in Helen's memory. This holiday season, remember Helen when you savor that piece(s) of incomparable homemade pie. Embrace the boundless love that went into baking and serving this American tradition - a true Christian love for everyone, that Helen's life exemplified.