Maricopa has lost its second beloved senior advocate this month.  

Elizabeth Howell, a former member of the city’s Senior Advisory Committee, died today. The Tortosa resident was 86. 

“She was very humble but also very concerned about … helping the community,” senior advocate Ron Smith reflected. He first met Howell through her work on the committee, previously called the Age-Friendly Committee.  

“I’m going to miss that concern, that help she wanted to provide and the things she wanted to accomplish,” he said, “and the fact that she just kept going.”  

Until recent months, Howell was a constant presence at city council meetings and took pride in organizing an annual Shred-A-Thon in partnership with the Pinal County Attorney’s Office. However, declining health pushed her to take a step back from her volunteer work, Smith said. 

Councilmember Eric Goettl met Howell during his swearing-in ceremony in 2022 and called her “an absolute sweetheart.” 

“Elizabeth was a champion for our city’s seniors … and was always advocating for their needs,” he told InMaricopa. “She was very kind and patient with me, offering advice and gentle corrections if I ever stepped out of line. She will be deeply missed and was loved by all those who knew her.” 

Councilmember Bob Marsh, a fellow octogenarian, was also saddened by the news.  

“She really cared about Maricopa, and it showed in her years of volunteer work. Her annual shredding events were awesome,” he said today. 

Smith said the passings of Howell and Joan Koczor last week will have an impact on the senior community, but he hopes their drive will encourage others to step up.  

“All of us need a purpose in life. For seniors, it can be very important. Joan, Elizabeth and myself included all want to feel valued as we age,” he said. “We serve because that is our nature and it supports the notion of purpose … Joan and Elizabeth always had a sense of purpose because of their commitment to the community.”