Willa Deane Howells

Willa Deane Howells was born September 10, 1931, in Ottumwa, Iowa to Henry Price Howells and Norine Katherine Howells. She passed peacefully at the age of 90, on Saturday, October 23, 2021, and is survived by her sister, Laurine Schneider; her brother, Richard Howells; and her nephew, Chris Howells, and his family.

Willa graduated from the Eastman Musical School with a bachelor’s degree in Music and got her master’s degree in Music from Indiana University. She pursued a lifetime career as a concert violinist and music teacher. Willa played for the Honolulu Symphony, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the Dallas Symphony before planting roots in Albuquerque and joining the Santa Fe Opera. Among her many musical accomplishments, she was the longest serving musician at the Santa Fe Opera, when she retired in her 80's after more than 50 years of service. Willa was very proud of her many students was also passionate about a youth symphony, she helped organize and support in Albuquerque.

Willa was an avid collector of southwestern art, her house on Lester Avenue was overflowing with it. Willa also loved to correspond by mail with friends around the country. She kept this up into her 80's and always enjoyed reading over old correspondence.

Willa appointed her nephew, Chris Howells to oversee her affairs in her later years. She visited his family in Minnesota regularly at Christmas for many years. She spoiled great-nieces and nephew with gifts the same way she spoiled Chris growing up.

Willa was adamant in her desire to live out her years in Albuquerque near all her friends, and she got her wish. She spent her last three years in memory care but maintained a happy disposition in large part because she was regularly visited by her network of friends, former students, and family.

Willa was not religious, but she was spiritual in her own way. Her wish for her final disposition was to be cremated and have her ashes scattered around Bell Mountain in Sedona, Arizona. She will also be remembered in the program of the Santa Fe Opera as a donor in memoriam.

A cenotaph for her can be found at Sunset Memorial Park in Albuquerque. The location is Urn Garden, PH I-B, Wall Panel 17.