Edith Furst Howell, a beloved member of the Winnetka community, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025. She was 97 years old. Edith was preceded in death by her husband, William Warren Howell, with whom she shared a lifetime of commitment and family.
Born on March 2, 1928, Edith was a fourth-generation Chicagoan, the daughter of William H. Furst and Edith E. Furst. She is survived by her two daughters, Elizabeth (Ian) MacCallum of New Vernon, New Jersey, and Suzanne (Christopher) Smythe of Shaker Heights, Ohio. The family also includes four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and her brother, William C. Furst (Virginia) of Glencoe, Illinois.
A Legacy of Community and Design
Edith’s educational background included attendance at New Trier High School, Vassar College, and Northwestern University. Her professional journey began at Harris Trust and Savings Bank, where she met her future husband, Bill. The couple married in 1953 and subsequently raised their family in Winnetka, Illinois, where they were deeply involved in local affairs.
In addition to her active participation in the community, Edith nurtured a passion for interior design. She founded her own successful design business, allowing her creativity to flourish while contributing to the aesthetic of numerous homes. Her love for gardening and flower arranging was evident in her membership with the Garden Club of Winnetka and the Green Meadows Garden Club, where she shared her expertise and enthusiasm for horticulture with others.
Celebrating a Life Well-Lived
In recognition of her contributions to the community and her family, a private celebration of life will be held by the family at a later date. Those wishing to honor Edith’s memory can make memorial donations to Christ Church, designated for the Benevolence Fund. Contributions can be sent to the church at 470 Maple St, Winnetka, IL 60093.
For further details and to sign the guestbook, family and friends are encouraged to visit www.Brown-Forward.com or contact Brown-Forward Service at 216-752-1200. Edith Furst Howell’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who knew her, reflecting her unwavering spirit of service and dedication to her family and community.
