Obituary of Savalla Howland

Savalla Gifford Howland Unadilla—Savalla Howland, 94, of Unadilla, passed away at home on Friday, November 30, 2018, following years of fighting cancer and heart disease. Savalla was born on March 5, 1924 in Deposit, the daughter of Austin and Bertha (Whitman) Gifford. She was married to her late husband Charles H. Howland on November 12, 1944 and shared 66 years together. In her lifetime, Savalla worked several jobs but her true love was working with youth and children. She worked at Sidney High School as a secretary and teacher's aide, as well as for DCMO BOCES as a special education teacher's aide. Savalla was a lifetime member of the Masonville Federated Church, serving as a youth and adult Sunday school teacher. She was a member of the Ladies Aide and Masonville Grange until it dissolved. Through her lifetime, she and her husband Charles took in foster children and allowed many to have the privilege of staying at their family farm enjoying great love and laughter. Savalla was predeceased by her loving husband, Charles; sisters: Zilpha, Ellafern, Helen and Alta; brothers, Virgil and Rex, and her daughter, Sally Dean. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Charles V. and Colleen Howland; daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Doug McKown; grandchildren: Amy Dean Heap (Chuck), Christy Dean Eastwood (Steve), Corey Dean (Jody Hitt), Michelle Howland Brame (Brad), Josie Howland East (Chad Roof), Barrett Howland (Jenna), Kasta Howland, Heather McKown Amatuccio (Michael), Ember McKown; along with 15 great-grandchildren and 2 great, great-grandchildren, several nieces & nephews as well as 1 very special family, Buck, Scott and Cindy Somers. Friends may call from 10:00-11:00am on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at Masonville Federated Church in Masonville. Funeral services will begin at 11:00am with Rev. David Gatje. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catskill Area Hospice or the Masonville Federated Church. Share condolences and memories online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.