Gilmanton----Brenda F. (Merritt) Howland, 67, of 1035 Province Road, died at her home on Thursday, May 24, 2007 with her loving husband of forty-four years and nine months, and her son at her bedside.

Mrs. Howland was born August 23, 1939 in Weymouth, Massachusetts, the daughter of Percival and Hattie May (Curtis) Merritt.  She lived in Scituate, Massachusetts until her marriage.  She then lived in Newton, Massachusetts for several years before moving to Gilmanton, New Hampshire ten years ago.

Mrs. Howland was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Concord, NH.  She was a reader, teacher, and follower of the Bible and the Words of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Survivors include her husband, Barry G. Howland, of Gilmanton; a son, Brian G. Howland and his wife, Stephie, of Gilmanton, New Hampshire; a daughter, Rebecca D. Howland Vlahakis and her husband, Onassis, of TX; a granddaughter, Ava May Howland Vlahakris, of TX; and many nephews and nieces.  She was predeceased by her four brothers and one sister, Merrill Merritt, Cappy Merritt, Stanton Merritt, William Merritt and Eleanor Merritt.

According to Brenda’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral service.  A family service will be held this summer at the grave site in Scituate, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Community Health & Hospice, Inc., 780 North Main Street, Laconia, NH 03246 who helped so much in her time of need.

Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, NH is in charge of the arrangements.