HADLOCK POND AND ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE- Laurie Jean Howk (Aiken), 60, ascended to the House of the Lord on the 19th day of September 2018 at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia.
She was born in Glens Falls on April 30, 1958 to Edwin and Betty Aiken of Hudson Falls, who we know welcomed her with loving arms when she left this earth and joined them in heaven.
Laurie graduated from Hudson Falls High School, later attending Adirondack Community College where she met her husband, Paul Howk from Queensbury, and they embarked on an almost 41-year journey that literally spanned the world.
Laurie is survived by her husband Paul, their three beautiful daughters and their spouses: Jennifer Hendrex (Cordell) of North Las Vegas, NV; Justina Westhead (David) of North Las Vegas, NV; and Marissa Beauchamp (Joseph) of New Boston, MI, five grandchildren Macy and Taven Hendrex and Emelyn, Eloise, and Evan Westhead, her four siblings: Susan Pack (Greg) of Cape Coral, Florida; John Aiken (Jeriann) of West Ft Ann, Linda Murray (Ervin) of Queensbury; and Thomas Aiken (Connie) of Perkins, SC, and a beloved family of in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Laurie was a devoted United States Air Force wife, mother, and a true patriot. She loved to travel and traveled the world as part of the Air Force with her husband and family for a total of 36 years. She courageously battled a rare respiratory illness, Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, throughout her life but took pride in never showing her disability. She truly loved spending time with her three daughters and her grandchildren at their family home on Hadlock Pond in Ft Ann, NY. Laurie’s respiratory issues took their toll and on October 1st 2005 she received a miracle in the form of a single lung transplant thanks to the generosity of a young lady named Amanda Sheffer and the skill of the Inova Fairfax Lung Transplant Team. Amanda and her selfless family became extended members of Laurie’s family throughout these last 13 years. She exhibited great faith, strength, and courage throughout her many health issues. She kept her positive attitude and always said “if you look good, you feel good”. Laurie inspired all of those around her to never give up, believe in the power of prayer, and always wear lipstick! She will be missed beyond belief by those who knew her and loved her.
Friends may call on Wednesday, September 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY.
Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. with the Reverend Jon Bly officiating.
Burial will be at the Pine View Cemetery in Queensbury, after the services.
All are welcome to attend a gathering at the Queensbury Central Firehouse on Lafayette Street in Queensbury, at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Contributions may be made to the Washington Regional Transplant Center at https://wrtcdev.secure.nonprofitsoapbox.com/make-a-contribution, 3190 Fairview Park Drive #700, Falls Church, VA 22042, or to Donate Life America, 701 East Byrd Street, 16th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, or to the PCD Foundation, 10137 Portland Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55420.
The greatest honor she could receive is by having individuals register to become organ donors, giving other families the second chance at life that she was given.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.carletonfuneralhome.net
To The Family of Laurie Howk, Jan and I are so sorry for your loss. We remember the time we had when all met at Bosn’ Landing for dinner, and what a “Great Time” we had. Laurie always had a smile all the time. She will be missed by both of us. Our Love to All !!
Jan & Meredith
As a kid, I can remember always being “one of the girls” and always being around and being loved as one of her own. Mrs. Laurie was just another mom to me. I’m grateful for the time and memories I will cherish for a lifetime.
Sending our sincere condolences and love to all of you!! We will be with you all in heart and spirit today and in the tough days ahead! Love you all!!
So very sorry for your loss. May your memories of your mother bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Dear family,
It was such a pleasure to meet her. RIP Laurie. Such a beautiful soul.
Love her “always wear lipstick”!
Many blessings to each of u at this difficult time.
I am so thankful to have had the chance to meet Laurie and her wonderful family 3 months after she received my sister’s lung. It was truly a gift for our family to know her and keep in touch on Facebook all these years. We will miss her very much. We love you Laurie. Sending love and prayers to the rest of the family.
As a “grafted in” brother of the Howk family, I would like to offer my condolences. Fond memories of Laurie during her beginning journey with Paul in the 70’s & 80’s. Always a warm smile and positive attitude. I have had the pleasure of following the family on social media and have been inspired and blessed. Amazing family. I have been honored to lift Laurie up in prayer on several occasions. I agree with the family that heaven received another angel. Blessings to the family…
To the family, so sorry to hear about Laurie. She was indeed a very special lady. Love be to each of you. From your neighbors at LRAFB, Rickey and Reba Fitzhugh, JR and Rachel.
Paul and family, there are no words for what you are going though. But remember the good time and it will bring a smile to your heart. Together you will get though this. Laurie was a wonderful person with a heart bigger than her.
Paul and family, there are no words what you are going though. But remember the happy times and it will bring a smile to your heart. Laurie was a beautiful person inside and out, with a heart bigger than herself.
John and family, sorry for your loss. Keep and share the memories and she will always be with you.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
– Matthew 5:4
May the Lord of Hosts graciously provide for you the strength, peace, and faith to go forward in every moment and every step of the journey ahead.