Lebanon, NH – Deborah "Debbie" Goodwin Howland, 75, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Friday, August 21, 2026, with her two beloved daughters by her side. Debbie was born on July 11, 1951, in Hanover, New Hampshire, to the late Marie (Pratte) and Otis "Pop" Goodwin. She was raised in Lebanon, New Hampshire, where she attended Lebanon Public Schools and graduated with the Lebanon High School Class of 1969. She remained deeply connected to her New Hampshire roots throughout her life and treasured the lifelong friendships she shared with many of her classmates. Debbie met the love of her life, Douglas "Doug" Howland, in high school. They were married at Sacred Heart Church in Lebanon on November 7, 1970, beginning a marriage and life together that spanned more than 55 years. In 2006, Debbie and Doug moved full-time to St. Petersburg, Florida, to be closer to their daughters and their families, who lived nearby in Tampa. There, Debbie embraced a new chapter of her life surrounded by the people she loved most. Debbie had a special love for gardening and took great pride in making the world around her more beautiful. As president of her community's Landscape Committee, she enjoyed creating lovely surroundings for her neighbors to share and appreciate. She also took great pleasure in tending to her own garden each day. Debbie loved to read and enjoyed spending time at the beach, savoring the sunshine, the beauty of the water, and all that she loved about life in Florida. Debbie's Catholic faith was an important part of her life. It brought her comfort, strength, and peace and remained a source of guidance throughout her years. Above all else, Debbie loved her family. Her greatest joy came from being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She treasured the time she spent with her two daughters, Christina Howland and Katie Podolsky, and nothing meant more to her than having her family close. She was a proud grandmother to Max McKay, 18; Ava and Sawyer McKay, 17-year-old twin sisters and the children of Christina and Bob; her step-granddaughter, Madison McKay; and Gunnar and Georgia Podolsky, the 11-year-old twins of Katie and Josh. Her grandchildren lovingly referred to her as their "Lil Papa," a special nickname that reflected their close bond. They also joked that she was the oldest cousin they had to play with, a cherished family joke that captured Debbie's youthful spirit and the joy she shared with them. Debbie leaves behind her beloved husband, Doug Howland; her daughters, Christina Howland (Bob McKay) and Katie Podolsky (Josh); her cherished grandchildren; her brother, Donald O. Goodwin (Debra); her sister, Denise "Dee" Fillian; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents, Debbie was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Robert "Stan" Fillian. Debbie will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, the beauty she created around her, and her deep devotion to her family. Her presence will be profoundly missed, but the love she shared and the memories she created will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Funeral services and a celebration of Debbie's life will be held at Holy Family Church in St. Petersburg, Florida, on September 24, 2026, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, with a reception to follow. A funeral will also be held in Lebanon, New Hampshire, at Sacred Heart Church on October 17, 2026, at 11 o'clock in the morning, with burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends and loved ones to honor Debbie's memory by making a contribution toward the care of Aleta, a dolphin at the Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys. Aleta's strong will, playful spirit, and love of connection reminded our family so much of Debbie and felt like a beautiful tribute to our beloved "Lil Papa" and her love of the water and Florida life. Donations may be made in memory of Debbie Howland here: drc.givecloud.co/general-donation. An online guest book is available to leave Debbie's family a message of condolence by visiting www.rickerfuneralhome.com.
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Deborah "Debbie" Goodwin Howland