SOUTH PORTLAND -- Nyla J. Howard, 39, of South Portland, died instantly on Saturday, May 31, 2014, of a tragic accident.
Nyla was born in Lewiston on Nov. 11, 1974, the daughter of Kurtis Peterson and Ellaine A. Howard. Although Nyla recently resided in South Portland, she was raised and attended Portland schools most of her life.
After graduation, she was employed as a phlebotomist at a plasma center in the greater Portland area. Throughout the years she was employed with a variety of jobs, to mention a few such as landscaping, horticulture, a lobster pound, a certified foster mother and she loved her job working with Down syndrome children. She received many job referrals for outstanding skills and dedication.
Nyla enjoyed many hobbies; she loved to read, had a beautiful voice, and was a very multi-talented person. When she put her mind to a task, with speed and accuracy she'd master it in no time. Nyla loved and cherished her children, family, pets, plants and people. She had many friendships, a big heart and she was truly gifted. She would go immediately out of her way to help a friend in need. She will be forever missed by many.
Most recently, Nyla was helping her mother Ellaine for an upcoming hip surgery with home health care. Meanwhile, she was so excited and proud waiting to attend the ceremony of her daughter, Hope Ellaine, graduating with honors from Greely High School in Cumberland. The most precious love of Nyla's life was family.
Nyla was predeceased by her grandfather Robert Howard, grandmother Marion Bourgeois- Howard-Burgess, grandfather Kenneth Peterson of Portland, step-grandfather John Sullivan of Chebeague Island, and grandmother Ethelyn Doughty-Sullivan. Nyla is survived by her children, Hope, daughter of Keith Legg, daughter Alyssa Howard, autistic twin sons Jaden and Maximus Fletcher; brother Kurtis Howard; half-brother Sean Griffin, half-sisters Melissa and Tina Glidden; nieces Kira, Alivia and Mia Glidden; uncles Kenneth and James Peterson, Russell, Raymond, Ronald, Robert Howard, and predeceased uncle Richard Howard, aunts Nyla Lilley, Marlene Howard-Hincks, and Janet Howard; and many cousins.
There will be a future private family interment (burial) on Chebeague Island with notification to family on a later date. Sincere gratitude to Hobbs Funeral Home and city of So. Portland for all their assistance.
In lieu of flowers, contributions
may be made to:
Chebeague United
Methodist Church
Parsonage North Road
Chebeague Island, Maine 04017
or North Deering
Veterinary Hospital
456 Auburn St.
Portland, Maine 04103