Cornelia Masse Howard, lovingly known as Connie, passed away on January 21, 2026, at the age of 86, having resided in Cadence Assisted Living in Mooresville for four years.
Born on January 30, 1939, in Belmont, Mass., Connie was a graduate of Tufts University, an accomplishment that reflected her thoughtful nature and lifelong love of learning. She devoted more than 50 years to her career as a dental hygienist, including work at Duke Hospital, where her skill, compassion and calming presence touched the lives of countless patients and colleagues.
Connie also had a lifelong passion for dogs and the dog-show world. She became involved in showing dogs in the late 1960s, breeding and showing Labrador Retrievers and Flat-coated retrievers under her Curlee Hill Kennels. Beginning in 1988, she was licensed to judge the Sporting group, Australian Shepherds, Junior Showmanship and Best in Show, sharing her expertise across the United States, including Westminster, and Canada. She served as President and Show Chair of the Durham Kennel Club for many years, leaving a lasting mark on the dog-show community she loved so dearly.
Those who knew Connie will remember her for her kindness, positive attitude, intelligence, and steady presence. She had a gift for making others feel comfortable and cared for, offering warmth and support in everyday life.
Connie was preceded in death by her husband, Alexander Howard; her son Thomas Howard; her goddaughter, Mary Jo McKuen; and her parents, Margaret and Arthur Masse.
She is survived by her sons, Robert Howard and his wife Gale of Mooresville, N.C., and Michael Howard and his wife Leigh of Aurora, N.C.; and by her two grandchildren, Katie Stockton and her husband Josh of Mooresville and Kyle Howard and his wife Kaylee of Castle Hayne, N.C.
A service celebrating Connie’s life will be held on Valentine’s Day, February 14, at 3 p.m. at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home in Mooresville, N.C., a fitting day to honor a life shaped by love, care and quiet devotion.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the family.