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Patricia “Tricia” Howell, 62, of Suffolk, passed away on Dec. 19, 2020.

Tricia graduated from Suffolk High School in 1976 and went on to graduate from the University of Richmond in 1980. She retired from American Airlines after 30-plus years of service as a flight attendant.

While growing up, Christmas was Tricia’s favorite time of year. Since she was a teen, she enjoyed trips to her family’s cottage in the Outer Banks during the summer, where she worked while she was a college student.

Tricia was an avid football enthusiast, particularly a devoted fan of the Washington Redskins. During the offseason, she would be found cheering on the Duke basketball team, of which her father and first cousin were alumni.

Tricia had a deep curiosity of forensics, and she loved watching the many shows that aired. After watching, she would then discuss these shows with her close friends, Janet and Chuck, whose careers were in that field.

She was a wonderful and caring godmother to many of her close friends’ children. She was known for her sharp memory, she made sure she never missed any of their milestones growing up. Her niece and nephew were her joy, as she was always willing to do whatever it took to catch many of their sporting events and participate in their many life milestone achievements. She was a very proud aunt!

Tricia is survived by her brother, James S. Howell; sister-in-law, Kim Howell; niece, Katherine Beth Howell; nephew, Harris James Howell, all of Suffolk; aunt, Alice Tripp, of Virginia Beach; first cousins, Rob Tripp, and Susan, Tripp and Bob Savery of North Carolina.

Many thanks to Tricia’s friends, Jane, Janet, Clyde, Kacky, Mary, Judy and Susan, each who supported Tricia in her fight against cancer. Tricia was loved by many of her crew members and passengers alike. Her love for flying was only surpassed by her love of family and friends. Tricia has now returned to the skies, where she spent so much time serving others. Godspeed!

A small private gathering of friends and family will take place in OBX in the spring.

Memorial donations may be made in Tricia’s name to the Hospice House of Williamsburg or the American Cancer Society.