Connie Howland

Connie Howland, 60, of Grand Rapids Michigan passed away Saturday, November 18, 2023 after a painful struggle with cancer. Born on April 26, 1963, Connie grew up in Grand Rapids with her eight siblings and many aunts, uncles, and cousins nearby. Connie had two children and worked as a Pharmacy Technician. Connie had a love for life and people. She would go out of her way to help a stranger, (especially an elderly person), and family. She loved the outdoors, and was a fun, loving person to be with. In the summer of 1998 Connie welcomed an exchange student from Finland, “Sanna Rousu” into her home whom she loved and they stayed in contact all of these years. Sanna and her family came to visit her in August 2023 for a week when they were informed she was sick. In junior high and high school Connie played the flute and was quite good. She played in the high school marching band. Connie enjoyed crocheting (made many beautiful blankets), doing crafts, and had a talent for decorating. She also enjoyed walking, bicycle riding, and running. She ran several 5 mile marathons and one 10 mile marathon. She received many ribbons and placed in several marathons. Connie was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Verna; two brothers, Terry Burns and Raymond Burns; and a sister, Lynn Vos. Surviving are her children, Joseph Burns and Crystal Tomson; grandson, Cameron; sisters, Judy Shallhoup, Debbie Burns, Sandy & Jack Robinson, Shirley & Larry Brewer; a brother Robert “Bob” Dewhurst; brother-in-law, Tim Vos; a sister-in-law, Sandy Burns; and many nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 11:00 am at Poplar Hill Cemetery, 2650-2672 30th St, Allegan MI 49010. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Connie’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Connie Howland, please visit our flower store.