Pick's disease
Howe was diagnosed in 2002 with Pick's disease, an incurable neurological disease that causes dementia and died Friday, March 6, 2009, aged 76, in the family home at Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Her son, Murray, who diverged from the family's footsteps to become a doctor, helped treat Howe during her ordeal with Pick's disease. Howe is survived by nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Red Wings general manager Ken Holland held a moment of silence before the Detroit Red Wings' game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 7. When a picture of Howe and Gordie lit up the scoreboard, fans responded with a standing ovation at the Friday, March 6, 2009 Vancouver Giants' game against the Calgary Hitmen at the Pacific Coliseum.