In loving memory
Margaret Howard
1936 - 2024
MISS MARGARET ESTHER HOWARD – 1936 - 2024
Miss Margaret Esther Howard sadly died on 13 September 2024. Margaret served with BMS in India from 1960-1997.
The Thanksgiving Service will be held on Wednesday 16 October 2024, 1.30pm at Amersham Free Church, Woodside Road, Amersham HP6 6AJ. Donations are invited in support of BMS World Mission.
The service will be livestreamed by visiting the church webpage and going to Watch a Service https://www.amershamfreechurch.org.uk/. It will also be available by going direct to the You Tube page https://www.youtube.com/@amershamfreechurch6024/streams
Margaret was born in Neasden, London on 30 June 1936. Following her schooling she qualified as a Member of the Society of Radiography (MSR). Margaret was accepted for overseas service with BMS in 1959 and sailed to India in November 1960. She was based at Ludhiana Hospital until December 1964 when she returned to the UK to care for her family. After a spell of leave of absence she retired from BMS in 1967.
Over the following years Margaret continued her involvement with the Ludhiana Hospital and the following tribute was received from John Pramod, Professor of Physiology at the hospital. Hugh has kindly forwarded this so that we can all appreciate Margaret’s dedication to the hospital.
John writes: Margaret’s remarkable dedication to CMC Ludhiana, especially her immense contributions to the Radiography Department, have left an indelible mark on the institution. Her passion for improving X-ray imaging standards and her tireless efforts to raise awareness about the needs of CMC speak volumes of her commitment. Through her leadership in the Friends of Ludhiana (FOL) UK, she was instrumental in securing vital funds and equipment, greatly enhancing the hospital's ability to care for its patients.
John writes that he had the fortune of working with Margaret while she represented FOL at CMC Ludhiana between 1998 to 2008. She was very focussed on helping us to upgrade our equipment, encourage introduction of new courses in allied health sciences and generally looking after the interests of radiography department. In 2006, John stayed with her at her home in Amersham when he attended the FOLUK board meeting as Director of CMC Ludhiana.
Her legacy of compassion, service, and selflessness will continue to inspire many.
We give thanks for Margaret’s life and pray that the Lord will comfort Hugh and Margaret’s family and friends at this sad time.
Your memories and comments
Margaret's life has truly left a lasting legacy, and we are so grateful.
BMS World Mission
I have been going through my Aunt's personal effects and found her diary and letters from her time as a missionary for BMS in India. As a 24 year old woman, who had never been abroad, she was commissioned to work as a radiographer and missionary at the Christian Medical College in Ludhiana in 1960. She travelled by boat, through the Suez canal, eventually arriving in India in December. When she arrived in Ludhiana she found a somewhat run down radiography department. Undaunted she set about supporting the staff to improve standards, whilst at the same time attending regular Hindi lessons and leading Bible study groups. A year into her posting the department had difficulties following the loss of the lead clinician. Following a meeting, the decision was taken to press on and move the department forward. Margaret had to return to the UK prematurely after 5 years when her father became terminally ill, her mother having little or no means of support. When her father died, and having no capital, Margaret resumed work as a radiographer at Guy's, looked after her mother and bought a small maisonette. However, her mission was not over. At her own expense and using leave, she travelled many times to Ludhiana to train, examine and support students. She was a leading figure in the Friends of Ludhiana, raising funds and leading groups to CMC to support its work. Margaret's work took her around the globe with plaudits from many radiography departments. To avoid problems in Saudi Arabia, as a single woman, she wore her mother's wedding ring! Margaret's mission to spread the word of the Bible continued until her death. She participated in and led Bible study groups and was an active preacher in the local area. She was due to preach two weeks after her death. Margaret maintained a keen interest in her great nieces and great-great nieces and nephew. She enjoyed attending family gatherings and Christmas pantomimes even when water sprayed last year's Peter Pan.
Hugh Howard
"Auntie" ( a close family friend of the late Trevor and Jennifer Allford) Margaret always showed great interest in our family and children. She was much loved and greatly respected. When I did a lay preaching course a few years ago, she kept encouraging me and sharing stories which was greatly appreciated. Rest in peace and rise in glory, Margaret.
Elizabeth Allford
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