Was Mrs Howell's first name really Lovey or was that Thurston's term of endearment for her?

Yes, that was her first name.

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No, her first name was Eunice. Lovey was just Mr. Howell's pet name for her

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"Well, Laverne is sort of childish"

"Childish? Childish? COming from a grown woman who throws tea parties for her stuffed cat!"

"Well at least I don't sew L's on everything I wear!"

"Well that would be pretty stupid considering your name's Shirley!"

LaverneShirly is right, I read it one this one website.

Lovey's real name is Eunice Wentworth Howell.