Katharine I. Howard of Rochester, NH passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at her home. She was born on September 11, 1944, in Portsmouth, NH, to her parents Raymond and Irene Colby. She was raised in Kittery, Maine and was a true “village kid” and spent most of her adulthood there as well.

She attended Kittery Schools and was in the graduating class of 1962. After school, she worked at various companies in the Portsmouth, NH and Kittery, ME area. Retiring from the Kittery Town Clerks Office.

Katharine loved knitting, sewing and crocheting. She was known for creating beautiful afghans, sweaters, and other clothing for many family and friends. In her later years, she enjoyed watching birds, squirrels, and chipmunks that visited our porch.

She leaves behind her truly loved cats, Happy and Sparky.

Katharine was pre-deceased by her parents; sister Lyn; son Douglas; first husband Bob and second husband Michael; as well as a stepsister Jeanne

Family includes her son, James Chandler and partner Robin of Kittery, ME; two daughters, Michele Howard of Sitt, CO; Tina Merchant and husband Temple of Rochester, and a stepsister Judy Nadreau and her husband Bob or Plaistow, NH. Her grandchildren, Megan, Cassandra, Dakotah, Colby, Jameson, Sawyer, Peggy, Cameron, Justin. As well as 9 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Two cousins of whom were more like brothers, Perry and Philip. Plus, cousins, aunts, nieces and nephews. Along with very special lifelong friends Carol, Diane, and Joyce.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement with Cleaveland Clinic. Thewomensalzheimersmovement.org