Obituary of Jennifer Lynne Howard
Jennifer Lynne Howard was born on December 9, 1971, in Oconto, Wisconsin. She was one of three children born to the union of Gary and Jeanne (Valind) Howard. As an athletic, competitive, and team player in high school, Jennifer lettered in track, basketball, volleyball, and participated in softball while attending Escanaba High School. She spent countless hours training, practicing, and competing. This was all completed in addition to her balancing academic responsibilities and extracurricular activities. She graduated with the Class of 1990.
Jennifer had a natural gift for making friends easily, engaging in conversations, and building relationships. She had such a zest for making things fun. She thrived in social settings, enjoying the energy and stimulation of being around others. She had a burning desire to become an educator and shape the minds of future generations. Following her graduation, it was no shock Jennifer attained her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan as she was a huge fan. She then accepted a position with Dundee Community Schools. Jennifer continued her education at Eastern Michigan University to earn a master’s degree.
In Dundee, Jennifer was to say the least well known and loved. With her strong social skill set, she was notorious to be an excellent listener, reading social cues, and quickly responding, showing empathy when needed. Jennifer was a problem solver and her constant love for education shaped thousands of young minds over her nearly three decades. She helped them to grow and develop intellectually, emotionally, and socially. Through her years of teaching, she gained an understanding of her students, colleagues, and her community and this had led her to make a positive impact on the lives of countless students and the school system.
Jennifer was a wonderful, doting mother to her two daughters, and was known to be quite independent. She was adventurous, free-spirited, and not afraid to take risks. It really was no surprise that her preferred mode of travel was her very own black and purple Harley Davidson. She regularly rode with no destination in mind, just for the excitement and sense of freedom, the wind flowing through her locks. Jennifer had a passion for the outdoors looking forward to visiting her old stomping grounds in Michigan’s upper peninsula to rifle hunt deer near Escanaba.
Jennifer was truly humbled and touched by the amount of help and support she received during her illness from family, co-workers, friends, neighbors, students, community, and strangers.
Jennifer Lynne Howard, age 51, of Dundee, passed away at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston Texas, on Monday; April 10, 2023, after a valiant battle with cancer. Even though she was fighting, she never lost her faith. She loved her students and co-workers so much; she continued her employment throughout her illness. Her passing was preceded by a sister: Jayne Ann Howard, maternal grandparents: Myrtle and Albert Valind; and paternal grandparents: Florence and Lewis Howard.
To cherish her memory, she leaves two daughters, who were the light of her life and often stated they were her greatest achievement: Emma Jayne Schramm and Olivia Rose Schramm; parents: Gary and Jeanne Howard; and a brother: Gary “Chip” Howard (Douglas Ferguson).
Friends may gather Tuesday April 18, 2023, from 12:00pm until 2:00pm at the Old Mill Museum; 242 Toledo Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131. A 2:00pm celebration of Her life, led by Jay Gilchrist, will follow, also at the Old Mill Museum.
Her care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156. Cremation will follow through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan. Inurnment of her cremated remains will take place at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Escanaba, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the following charities, which were so generous and supportive to Jennifer: New Day Foundation or Angels of Hope.
Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.
