Thelma Joyce Howland

Thelma J. Howland, 72, of Cantonment, FL passed away on July 27, 2021 after a short but brave battle with cancer. She was born Thelma J. Smith in Liverpool, UK on February 23, 1949 — the eldest of 10 children born to George and Ethel Smith. She graduated from Northwich College in Cheshire, UK. Thelma always had a deep interest in real estate. Once the family settled in Pensacola she obtained her Realtor and broker’s license and founded Castle Realty of Pensacola, Inc in 1997, where she served as the broker/owner. She was never happier than when negotiating a sale or purchase of a home for a client. She served as a volunteer Realtor at the Navy Housing Office at NAS Pensacola for 20 years. She helped countless newly arrived military families with rental information, guidance in purchasing a home or whatever assistance they might need regarding real estate. Thelma was a Navy wife and accompanied her husband just about everywhere he went for almost 20 years. She loved to travel and would pack her bags at the drop of a hat. She was proud of having visited over 30 countries around the world and enjoyed living for a time in Scotland, Sicily, Greece and Spain. Thelma loved to shop and wherever she went in the world could always be counted on to find the best bargains, going from shop to shop, store to store, or stall to stall. She was a canny negotiator, even in the streetwise markets in Catania, Sicily, where she learned to negotiate in the native tongue. Back home, she enjoyed tending to her flowers and camping at the beach. She never forgot her British roots and every summer she would go home to visit her family. And, of course, she always took time to take a short trip somewhere in Europe, usually accompanied by her sister Carol. She was loved by all who met her and was noted for her quick wit and her (sometimes) subtle British humor. While showing properties to a Marine pilot, Thelma mentioned that the client should meet a cohort who was a former Naval aviator. “Ma’am, I’m a MARINE pilot,” he responded curtly. Thelma just smiled and said, “Don’t worry. I’ll tell him to speak slowly and use small words.” They both laughed. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Kenneth W. Howland, and two sons, Sean and Torin. Additionally, she is survived by many brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including her special friend Joan. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Linda. Services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2385 Hwy 297 A , Cantonment, FL 32533 on August 14, 2021 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church and would be appreciated. Faith Chapel Funeral Home North, 1000 South Highway 29, Cantonment, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

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Thelma Joyce Howland

February 23, 1949 - July 27, 2021