Ann Howley
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On January 7, 2021 @ 10:24 am In 2021,Obituaries | 19 Comments
Ann Howley, age 73, of Prior Lake, MN, succumbed to her battle with cancer and passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 6, 2021.
A private Memorial Service was held on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 11:00 AM. Friends and family are invited to watch a recording of the service at the following link: Ann Howley Memorial Service. Due to copyright laws, we were unable to record the musical selections.
Ann was born on July 22, 1947 in Watford, England to William and Kathleen (Roffee) Dolan. The second oldest of eight children, Ann was a caretaker at an early age. She took care of her younger siblings and was willing to take charge when she needed to. Following her secondary school graduation, Ann enlisted in the British Royal Air Force, serving as an Air Defense Operator. It was here where she met Thomas Howley, her future husband, who was serving in the United States Air Force, at a small dance club, dancing to The Who. After a short courtship, they were united in marriage at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Watford. In September of 1969, Ann moved to the United States and settled in Prior Lake, MN, where they spent eight years before going their separate ways. Once settled in Prior Lake, Ann was blessed with her two children, Sharon and Charlie. While raising Sharon and Charlie, Ann worked hard doing odd jobs while earning her degree from Dakota County Tech College in computer programming. She worked for Control Data and Blue Cross Blue Shield for many years before working at Target in the photo lab for about 10 years prior to retirement.
Ann always longed to be with people, and she developed an extremely tight-knit extended family and circle of friends while in Prior Lake. When she wasn’t working or being an amazing Mum and Nana, she could be found engaging in some sort of activity with the Sotis, Welch, or Barrie families, who were all very important to her, as well as many other families in the area. Always involved with the community in one way or another, Ann was a prominent member of the Prior Lake Players, played beer-league softball, bowled, coached soccer for many years with the Prior Lake Soccer Club, and attended all of her children and grandchildren’s events, who she loved dearly. She never missed a birthday party, band concert, or sporting event. Ann was proud of her British heritage and passed on many traditions to her family, serving things like traditional English roast dinner with yorkshire puddings and popping English crackers for the holidays which include reading stupid jokes, getting small trinkets and wearing paper crowns; all while making sure her kids were well cultured.
Always wanting to be included, a little bit bossy, but fiercely loyal and ever present, Ann made a profound impact on so many people. She will be greatly missed by her children, Sharon (Simeon) Sanchez and Charlie (Terri) Howley; grandchildren, Jaime, Nick, and Emily Sanchez, and Chase, Cole, and Nolan Howley; mum, Kay Dolan; siblings, Michael Dolan, Steven Dolan, Phillip (Robin) Dolan, Moira Bendle, Paul (Briony) Dolan, Lesley (Peter) Smyley, and Colin (Allison) Elsworth; and many other nieces, nephews, family, and very dear friends.
She is preceded in death by her father, William; and ex-husband, Thomas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be donated to the American Cancer Society.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation proudly served and cared for the Howley family.
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I am still in shock with Anns passing. She has the biggest heart and was just a great person. I remember all the great holidays spent with our families. And we still do the traditions our families did together. I am so sorry the loss of your mum. She is in a better place with a front row seat. Love you guys.
I met Anne while in the Air Force in England where she met Thomas. I was “best man” at their wedding. When she came to the USA, they stayed a few days me with and my parents before heading to Prior Lake. My wife, and I and 4 month old son traveled to visit them in Mn. I was very lucky to find her phone number a few years ago. I called every year to wish her Happy Holidays. I am very sad for the family. Reading all the condolences, she sounds like a wonderful person she was.
RIP old friend of many years. You will be missed.
Still doesn’t seem real. Aunty Ann you will be truly missed. Your legacy will live on in all the hearts you touched.
Having the memories we have had over the years brings smiles and tears to my eyes.
You may be gone but you will never be forgotten xx
RIP up there with the angels and shine bright xx
So sorry for your loss
Ann was always a joy to be around and sooooo much fun to share the stage with through community theatre and life. Condolences to her Family and all who love her.
I always considered myself as her “american sister” . We shared families., friends and animals for 50 years with never a harsh word to each other. I can still see her on the dance floor shsking her booty. Everyone in my family from the east coast to the west coast loved being with Annie when they came to visit snd send thrir condolences to her family. Love you Annie and will forever
There are no words to describe how we are all feeling at the loss of Ann. She was the life & soul of our family. The memories we have of our time with her both at home here in England & our times in America are precious & treasured. She gave us her love, her laughter & all of her friends/extended family have become our friends/extended family.
It doesn’t seem real that a person so full of life & love has left us but we thank you, Ann, for the laughter, the card games, the family time, the road trips, the dancing & the bad singing along with the wrong words to songs.
Always loved & never to be forgotten ❤️
Ann was one of my fist soccer coaches. She was a great women and did so much for PL Soccer Club in the early days. She will be missed.
Much Love and Gratitude,
Michael and Trina Thornton
I met Ann when we moved to Prior Lake and my son started to play soccer. Dave and Charlie became great friends. Ann was funny and a joy to be around. We spent a lot of time together during those soccer years. When she worked at Target, I would go to that specific Target so I could talk to her and see her smiling face. She was a very nice woman and will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.
So sorry for you loss!
Gail Graham
Sharon, Charlie and family….you’re mom will always have a special place in my heart. My heart goes out to your families.
Love always
Heidi VonBokern
I always remember “Mrs. Howley” being at all the soccer games for Eden West United. She was one our our number 1 fans. We know how hard she worked for her family and that is such a great legacy to leave along with the support of just being there for activities and staying involved and passionate. Mom’s are so special to us and it is very important to remember the good stuff and take the needed time to reflect, give respects & feel deeply at this time.God Bless,
Todd & Krista Anderson family
Rosy James,
Ann was a wonderful, funny, hard working , loving lady…She loved to laugh and spread the fun around her and would not miss the opportunity for a giggle.
She will be missed but always will have a spot in our hearts. Much love to Sharon and Charlie and family
Randy and Rosy James
Dear Charlie and Sharon and families,
We are so very saddened to have to say goodbye to one sweet, fun, and kind lady. Your mum was so delightful and helpful. We treasure the time we had with her coaching soccer. With her accent, she became a valuable coach who the kids would listen to. We will keep you all in our prayers and hope for the day when grieving ends and fond memories bring smiles and laughter back into your gatherings. With much love.
One of life’s great personalities. A great passionate fun-loving person. Her laugh was contagious. My condolences to the Howley family.
Bob and I want to send our condolences to your family for your loss. Your family is in are Thoughts and Prayers.
So sorry far your loss.
Reading about Ann I can understand how Charley who I know turned out to be a fine gentleman.
Ann sounds like a true person of substance and made this world a better place.
Ann was a huge part of my life, raising our kids together, many meals together, adventures and so many memories. She was one of the strongest women I knew and so proud to call her a friend. Ann you are up there at the top of the bunch, I will miss chatting with you❤️
So sorry to hear of Ann’s death. I an other members of the Daughters of British Empire organization loved Ann. She was always ready to laugh and have a joke.
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So sorry to hear of Annie’s passing what a wonderful woman she was Im so lucky to have met her thru the Sotis/Welch family. Love and Hugs to you all