Sara M. (Bafaro) Howard

Shrewsbury - To know Sara Howard was to be welcomed into a world of kindness. She had a way of making every person feel seen, valued, and cared for through her soft smile, her thoughtful words, or the quiet strength she carried with her throughout her eighty-eight years of life.

Sara died unexpectedly but peacefully on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. In every season of her life, Sara showed what it means to live well. With kindness at the forefront, faith woven into her every day, and love offered freely to everyone she met. Her life was never about grand gestures, but about the quiet, steady ways she lifted others through her genuine and unrehearsed ways. Her listening ear, gentle humor, and unwavering devotion to family and friends are a reminder that a life lived with compassion, humility, and joy is a life lived beautifully.

Sara M. Bafaro was born on September 26, 1937, in Worcester and grew up in the lively and loving Bafaro household one of seven children raised by Frank and Mary (Pingatore) Bafaro in the Vernon Hill neighborhood. Her childhood was simple, joyful, and rooted in faith, shaping the gentle heart that would guide her through the rest of her life.

After graduating from Commerce High School, Sara pursued nursing at Saint Vincent Hospital School of Nursing, discovering not only her calling but also the man who would become her partner in every sense of the word. It was there she met Dr. John T. “Jack” Howard, a young medical student whose dedication matched her own. They married on September 26, 1959, at her beloved Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church where so many family sacraments were held. In 1962 they made Shrewsbury the home where they would raise their family and build a life filled with purpose.

Sara became Jack’s chief nurse in his surgical practice as a well-respected and renowned surgeon at Saint Vincent Hospital. Together, they were a team as nurse and doctor, wife and husband, partners in care. Their devotion to one another was evident in every chapter of their shared life, from raising their children to embracing the cherished roles of Gramma and Poppy.

After Jack’s passing in 2002, Sara continued to pour her heart into caregiving, working with Care Solutions and the YMCA day care programs. Her compassion never dimmed; it simply found new places to shine.

Faith was a cornerstone of Sara’s life. At Saint Mary’s Parish, she found community, purpose, and joy. She taught CCD, served as a Eucharistic Minister, and offered her time and heart wherever they were needed. Sara was a longtime member and held various offices with The Guild of Our Lady of Providence. She also contributed to the Parents Council at Saint John’s High School and served on the Patient Advocate Board at Saint Vincent Hospital always advocating with empathy and grace.

Sara treasured her friendships, many of which spanned decades. Her circle of friends from nurses, parishioners, neighbors, and her beloved Bridge partners brought her laughter, companionship, and countless memories. She loved a good book, a friendly game of cards, and the simple pleasure of gathering with her “gal pals” each week and above all the gift of being mother to her five children and ‘Shrewsbury Gram’ to her ten grandchildren.

In addition to her beloved husband of 43 years, Jack, she was predeceased by her siblings, Carl Anthony Bafaro, Lorraine Blaise, Richard, Theresa and Francis Bafaro.

She leaves her children, Tracy E. Dubay (Stephen) of Worcester, John T. Howard, Jr. (Jeanette) of Shrewsbury, Lori A. Howard of Shrewsbury, Matthew F. Howard (Christine) of Fairfield, Connecticut and Michael J. Howard (Sharlene) of Shrewsbury; her grandchildren, Allaire Dubay (Michael Rivers), Kathleen Dubay, James and Sara Howard, John, Brendan, Kevin and Leah Howard, Sophia and Neeve Howard; her brother, Joseph Bafaro (June) of Shrewsbury; her sister-in-law, Jean Howard of Manhattan, New York; many nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Sara's life by gathering for an Evening Wake from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7th in Saint Mary's Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday in the church. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.

Those wishing to view the broadcast (and recording) of the Mass Wednesday please use this link: https://www.harborview.live/

Expressions of sympathy may be made to Saint Mary’s Parish, 18 Summer Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 https://www.stmarysparish.org/ or Saint John’s Church, Food for the Poor Program, 44 Temple Street, Worcester, MA 01604. https://www.stjohnsfoodforthepoor.org/

Arrangements by James + John Heald of The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham.