Katherine J. (Prechtl) Howell, 43, of East Longmeadow, MA, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family and friends on December 17, 2025 after a short, but valiant, battle with Stage IV ASCC. She was the daughter of John and Edna (Dudley) Prechtl born December 24, 1981 in Holyoke. She was a graduate of Holyoke Catholic High School 2000, Elmira College 2004 and Western New England University School of Law 2008. She is survived by her beloved children Lily, John, Ben and Ellie; her partner Tim Britton; her sisters Mary Rowe (David), Lisa Lamothe (Erik), Nancy Borlase (Roger), Julie Maiolo (Paul), Ellen Hudgik (Mark), Amy McClellan (Sean), and Margaret Prechtl; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Katie would want to be remembered as the bright light in any room, always with a smile and a laugh. She loved travel and good music, and St. Patrick’s Day in Holyoke was one of her most favorite times of year. Her loss will be felt by many for a long time. #1more. 

Calling hours will be at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke, MA on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 3:00 to 7:00pm. The funeral Mass will be held on Saturday January 3 in Our Lady of the Cross Church at 10:00am with burial in Saint Jerome Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations for her children through GoFundMe https://gofund.me/ba9c5813c