Gertrude M. “Trudi” (Besso) Howrihan, 81, of Mattapoisett died Thursday October 11, 2012 at the Royal of Fairhaven after a brief illness. She was the wife of Timothy J. Howrihan, Jr.
Born and raised in New Bedford, the daughter of the late Captain Eric J. and Gertrude (Conran) Besso, she had resided in Mattapoisett since 1956.
She was a communicant of St. Anthony’s Church, where she was a former member of the Altar Rosary Society and Ladies Guild as well as a CCD instructor.
Mrs. Howrihan was formerly employed as a secretary for the Old Rochester Regional School District in the guidance office until her retirement.
She was a graduate of Holy Family High School, Class of 1949, and the Kinyon-Campbell Business School Executive Secretary Program. She was an avid reader and loved to travel, both in this country and internationally.
Survivors include her husband; a daughter, Anne M. Fenton of Mattapoisett; her sisters-in-law, Joan Besso of New Bedford, and Mary Nelson of Rochester; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her siblings, Eric Besso, Elizabeth Cameron, and Ronald Besso, and her grandkitty, Shannon.
Her Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday at St. Anthony’s Church, Mattapoisett. Burial followed in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours were held Sunday at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, 2000 L Street, Suite 410, Washington, DC 20036 or the Mattapoisett Police Association, 64 County Rd., Mattapoisett, MA 02739. For directions and guestbook, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.