Georleen "Jolli" Howlett

Georleen "Jolli" Howlett, 80, passed away at Brentwood Nursing Home in Warwick, Rhode Island, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, resilience, and an unyielding pursuit of beauty in all things.

Born in Malden, Massachusetts, Jolli always felt destined for something greater. She viewed the world through an artist’s lens—seeking out beauty in the intricate, the overlooked, and the extraordinary. Whether studying the structure of a flower, the light in a photograph, or the patina of an ancient building, she had an innate ability to find, understand, and—if possible—improve upon whatever captured her eye.

A graduate of Massachusetts College of Art, she pursued illustration and painting before channeling her talents into landscape architecture and, ultimately, floral design. In the mid 1980s, she founded Botanica Flowers in East Greenwich, crafting breathtaking arrangements for some of Newport’s most elegant weddings and events. Her signature style—wild yet refined, full of movement and storytelling—continues through her protégé, Giti, who carries on the artistry and passion Jolli instilled in the business.

One of her proudest moments was being among the select few chosen to participate in the Museum of Fine Arts Boston’s Art in Bloom, where she interpreted a museum piece through floral design—the perfect convergence of her passions, where nature and art spoke the same language, in which she was fluent.

Once her children were grown, her love of travel flourished, leading her to the lush landscapes of Madeira, the rolling English countryside, and the historic gardens of Italy—places that reflected her deep appreciation for beauty, history, and a well-placed cobblestone path.

In 2008, she was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer that had spread to her bones, a battle she met with fierce determination. Stubbornness was her superpower, and she outlived every single medical prediction, proving that sheer force of will can sometimes defy biology.

Through it all Jolli never stopped creating. Whether through digital photography, painting, or collage, she found ways to express herself—even when her caregivers might have wished she’d used fewer tiny paper scraps.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Grace Howlett, who were guiding lights of kindness and love for her children; as well as her sons, Christopher, who passed away at age 45 and his twin, who passed shortly after birth.

She is survived by her son Jason, his partner Prissana, and grandchildren Kevin and Salinla; daughter Winsor and her partner Rob; her brothers and sisters-in-law Skip and Bonnie and Donnie and Sally; her beloved aunt Marion, who was like a sister to her; her former husband and enduring friend Louis and his wife Donalda; as well as many nephews, cousins, and countless friends with whom she shared her passions—especially through laughter and thought-provoking discussions.

Her family hopes that, in passing, she is finally free to live in the world she always envisioned—surrounded only by beauty, art, and stimulating conversation about fossils—with a full-time cleaning service.

The family extends their gratitude to the compassionate nurses and caregivers at Brentwood Nursing Home and St. Elizabeth’s Assisted Living for their thoughtful and patient care in these last years.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday May 22, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 99 Peirce St., East Greenwich, with a reception to follow. Kindly RSVP Here to help the family plan accordingly. In lieu of flowers, take a walk outside, collect something beautiful, and appreciate the art that exists in nature—just as she always did.