The BGS community mourns the passing of Mrs Joan Elizabeth “Betty” Howell, wife of former Headmaster Max Howell, at age 99.  

For 25 years between 1965 to 1989, Betty was a dedicated volunteer who served the school and its students. 

Although Betty never held any official positions, she was a cherished leader and mentor to others, particularly across the Boarding Program, staff community, the P&F Auxiliary and the Art Committee. 

Whether it was leading bachelor cooking classes for senior students, driving significant events during the 1968 centenary year, or quietly mopping up the Centenary Hall after heavy rains, Betty’s work was often unseen and hands-on. 

As written in the 1989 BGS School Magazine by Old Boy and then trustee The Hon. Justice John Dowsett ’65, Betty’s “intelligence, courtesy, administrative skill, tact and energy … contributed greatly to the building of the [School’s] support structures”. 

School archivist Chris Price remembers Betty as “charming”, “erudite” and “a very warm and caring person”. 

“When I moved into the Boarding House as a teacher in 1988, it was a very close-knit community, and she was so incredibly welcoming to everyone,” Mr Price said. 

“Mrs Howell – and she was always known as Mrs Howell  - played an integral role in the broader life of the school. 

“She was always there with a smile and a helping hand. She’d do things like make scones and pots of tea for the staff during scholarship exams on a Saturday morning. 

“Her role in the establishment of the Art Committee was significant in developing our collection.” 

Betty’s legacy endures in the annual Betty Howell Awards, which acknowledge outstanding volunteer contributions within the School community. 

Vale Betty Howell.