COLLEEN HOWES
01/01/1947 - 03/23/2024
Colleen Howes, 77, originally from Auckland, New Zealand, but spent the majority of her life in St. Louis, MO: passed away in Houston, TX, on March 23, 2024. Colleen was born January 1, 1947, to Joyce Marie Shaw and John David Edmund Shaw in her beloved Auckland. She was one of three children; the late John Shaw and Max Shaw. Her pre-adult life was spent in New Zealand until she met the love of her life and soulmate, Gary Howes.
They moved to Houston in 1971, and then to St. Louis in 1977, where they raised their family. When they moved to the U.S., Colleen carved her way into the real estate business; however, eventually Gary recruited her into the fire suppression business and together they built and managed a successful firm that lasted several decades, until their retirement in 2012. Retirement was mainly spent at their home in Mexico enjoying the casual laid back beach lifestyle.
Colleen was strong willed and determined, if she wanted something it was going to happen. Especially if it could be achieved through her own grit and persuasion. She made us laugh and always called it like it was with few filters. Her passions were traveling, spending time with her grandchildren, and eating her way through the finest restaurants her locations had to offer. She enjoyed countless cruises from The Bahamas to the Mediterranean, Africa and Asia. She chased her oldest Granddaughter all the way to Melbourne, Australia, and took her eldest grandson Maxwell to the Monte Carlo Grand Prix, fulfilling their dreams. She was in the process of moving to Houston to spend more time with her youngest grandchildren at the time of her passing.
Colleen was predeceased by her parents; Joyce and John “Sham” Shaw; her oldest brother John; and her husband, Gary. She is survived by her youngest brother, Max; sons Jamie (Robyn) and Aaron (Dee Dee); and five grandchildren, Kadija, Max, Kendall, Austin and Mason.
Colleen will be dearly missed by those of us she left behind, but we take comfort knowing she is going to be with her life-long love and soulmate, Gary. There are no formal services planned. A celebration of life will occur with the family.