Germaine "Gerry" Howser

Germaine “Gerry” Howser, 87, passed peacefully surrounded by love on October 1, 2024. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland on October 24, 1936, to Francis and Julia McCurtin. Gerry attended Southern High School where she met the love of her life, Bill while carrying out her duties as hall monitor. He was trying to get her attention by unscrewing the lightbulbs in the school hallway. He certainly captured her attention – all the way to the principal’s office after she reported him. Gerry and Bill married in 1958 and went on to celebrate 55 years of marriage. 

Gerry was the devoted mother to Gary W. Howser (wife Mary), Scott P. Howser (wife Shawn), and Karen McAteer (husband Marc). Gerry was the proud Mom-Mom of Craig Howser (wife Jess), Joseph Howser (wife Autoosa), Julia Burton (husband Ryan), Thomas Howser, Scott J. Howser, Madelyn McAteer and Molly McAteer. She was also delighted to be great-grandmother to Ella and Harper. 

Gerry worked for many years as an administrative assistant at Westinghouse. She became well known for her typing and shorthand speed and proficiency making her a standout to the top executives in the procurement department. Upon retirement, she was very active with the Pasadena Senior Center where she spent many days volunteering and taking part in the various activities and classes. 

Gerry combined her deep faith and love of music and sang alto for Our Lady of the Chesapeake choir and then later joined the choir at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church. Gerry was eternally selfless, always putting everyone’s needs before her own. Her warm nature and sweet smile made all who met Gerry feel like they had known her a very long time.

Nothing brought Gerry more joy than preparing and serving holiday family dinners. She had an extraordinary talent, with help from Reynolds wrap, of serving the entire menu piping hot all at the same time. We also knew that these meals always included Ostrowski’s Polish Kielbasa and ended with her infamous Jewish Apple Cake. She also made the best batch of Maryland Vegetable Crab Soup that filled a crab pot to the brim. 

Gerry had many hidden talents. They’re hidden because she never enjoyed talking about herself. Aside from being an incredible cook, Gerry was a great tennis player, seamstress, bowler, and puzzler. She never missed watching and cheering on the Orioles, the Ravens and Maryland Terps basketball. But her favorite games to watch were the ones in which her grandchildren competed. She travelled far and wide to sit in the stands and support them. She loved sports and competition. There is no doubt that everyone in our family is an extension of her competitive spirit, as we turn everything into a contest at family gatherings.

Gerry was preceded in death by husband Bill, son Craig Francis and brother Raymond McCurtin. In addition to her children and grandchildren, she is survived by her dear sisters Rita Horney and Lucille Dodge.

Viewing will be held on Sunday, October 6th at the family owned and operated McCully Polyniak & Collins Funeral Home, P.A. 3204 Mountain Road Pasadena, MD from 2-4pm and 6-8pm.  A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 7th at Our Lady of the Chesapeake Catholic Church at 10:00am followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn Park. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to either Hospice of the Chesapeake or the Pasadena Senior Center.