Evelyn Louise Sams Howden (“EvaLou”), 92, passed away peacefully in her Gilroy home on July 31 in the company of her children, Bill Howden and Teri Freedman. An avid recreational vehicle enthusiast, EvaLou suffered a stroke June 20 while visiting family and friends in San Diego.
A native of Cimarron, Kansas, EvaLou was the fourth of six children of Ellis Sams and Frances Evans Sams, all of whom, except for sister Vera Schlueter of San Diego, preceded her in death: Frieda Blount, Corinne Morgan, Homer Sams, and Robert Sams. The family moved from Kansas to San Diego in 1920, where EvaLou graduated from San Diego High. Soon afterward, she was selected as California’s representative via a nationwide Civil Service exam competition, receiving a prized federal job in Roosevelt’s New Deal administration at the height of the Great Depression. While working in Washington, D. C., she also attended George Washington University.
On the eve of World War II, EvaLou returned to San Diego and met her future husband, naval officer Albert B. Howden (“Al”), while supervising supply accounting at North Island Naval Air Station. Married in 1942, EvaLou and Al traveled together throughout his 22 year naval career and later focused on trips related to his second career as a high school history teacher.
A descendant of colonial Virginia and Massachusetts families through both her parents, EvaLou was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution chapters in San Diego, and later was an organizing and charter member of Gilroy’s Gabilan Chapter NSDAR. She was a Garlic Festival Gourmet Alley finance committee volunteer for Gabilan Chapter.
EvaLou’s children, Teri and Bill, grew up with their mother’s advice about moving to new places, “You can find things to enjoy everywhere you live,” and her command at every vacation campground and historic site the family visited, “Come on, let’s go exploring!” Besides RV trips, EvaLou and Al enjoyed hosting family and friends on sailing activities from their longtime membership in the Southwestern Yacht Club.
The couple were married 52 years when Al died in 1995, having moved from San Diego to Gilroy in 1993 to be near their daughter Teri and son-in-law Rich Freedman, and grandchildren Marnie Paterson (LT CDR Robert), of Virginia, Sheridan Straub (Greg), of Oregon, Greg Freedman of San Diego, Lindsey Beasley (Johnny), of Elk Grove, and Robert Freedman, all of whom survive her.
EvaLou is also survived by great-grandchildren Aurora, Duncan, and Rhiannon Paterson, of Virginia; Keaton and Rowan Straub, of Oregon; numerous nieces and nephews, including Dr. Charles Howden (Shirley), of Idaho; dear friends, Brad and Joan Zetterlund; Ken and Paula Waldorf; and her beloved dog, Spreckles.
EvaLou will be buried privately with her husband in San Joaquin National Cemetery, Gustine, at 11 A.M. on Thursday, August 9. Friends are invited to visit from 5 – 8 P.M. on Wednesday evening, August 8, at Habing Family Funeral Home, Gilroy. Donations may be made in her memory to the Gilroy High School choirs, 750 W. Tenth Street, Gilroy, CA 95020.
