Edith Furst Howell, a beloved member of the Winnetka community, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025, at the age of 97. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Warren Howell, with whom she shared a rich and fulfilling life.
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 daughters, Elizabeth MacCallum (Ian) of New Vernon, New Jersey, and Suzanne Smythe (Christopher) of Shaker Heights, Ohio, along with four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and her brother, William C. Furst (Virginia) of Glencoe, Illinois.
A Life of Community Engagement and Design
Edith was an alumna of New Trier High School, Vassar College, and Northwestern University. It was at the Harris Trust and Savings Bank that she met her future husband, Bill. The couple married in 1953 and went on to raise their family in Winnetka, where they became active participants in local affairs, focusing on preserving the village’s unique character.
Her passion for interior design led her to establish a successful design business, showcasing her creativity and innovative spirit. Edith’s love for gardening and flower arranging was evident in her active membership in the Garden Club of Winnetka and the Green Meadows Garden Club, where she shared her talents and enthusiasm with fellow gardening enthusiasts.
Commemoration and Legacy
The family plans to hold a private celebration of Edith’s life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Christ Church, designated for the Benevolence Fund. Donations can be sent to Christ Church at 470 Maple St, Winnetka, IL 60093.
For more information and to sign the guestbook, the family encourages friends to visit www.Brown-Forward.com. Edith Furst Howell will be remembered for her warmth, her contributions to the community, and her enduring legacy as a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend.
