Announcement of the Passing of Vera Howard

Published: 08 September 2026

Honiton Town Council extends its deepest condolences to Vera’s family, friends, and all members of the community who knew her and benefited from her generosity and spirit. Vera was a cherished community member whose exceptional dedication and contributions to Honiton have left a lasting legacy. Throughout her life, Vera exemplified selfless service, unwavering commitment, and a remarkable passion for the betterment of the community. She was first elected to Honiton Town Council in 1969 and served until she stepped down at the beginning of January 2022, after 53 years of dedicated service.

Vera’s compassionate spirit, tireless enthusiasm, and sharp wit brought people together, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. Her mentorship inspired volunteers and younger generations, and her efforts in fundraising and community engagement created lasting positive impact. In recognition of her contributions, she was presented with the Honoured Citizen Award in 2022.

Beyond her official roles, Vera was known for her kindness and her genuine care for making Honiton a great place to live. This included her twinning visit to Gronau (Leine), Germany, in 2018, where she flew for the very first time, to champion Honiton. Roger Sleeman, the Chair of the Honiton Twinning Association, fondly reflects: “Vera was a real ambassador for Honiton, and she is remembered in both our twin towns.”

A service celebrating Vera's life will be held on 21 September at 12 noon at St Paul's Church, Honiton. Vera’s legacy will continue to inspire the people of Honiton for years to come, but Vera will be sadly missed throughout the community.