Nancy Howard

Nancy Jo Howard had a spirited approach to life: an energy that drove her towards happiness no matter what her situation was. She was a loving and caring mother that derived endless joy from watching her family grow and succeed. Her benevolence radiated and was reflected in those around her.

As World War II continued to occupy the world’s attention in 1943, American’s were trying to put such worries behind them by attending the newly released movie “Casablanca” and children were thrilled with the airing of the first color episode of the Looney Tunes cartoons. For the household of William and Madelon (Land) Hayward of Royal Oak, Michigan, the 3rd of October 1943, was a time of joy. It was on this day that their daughter, Nancy Jo, was born. Her father was an influential man in the community where he served as the long time Mayor and a State House Representative.

Nancy was one of four children and was something of a live wire growing up. While receiving her formal education in the Shrine Schools, Nancy put this youthful pep to good use as a cheerleader in high school and earned her lifeguard certificate. After graduating in 1961, she went on to attend Western Michigan University and Wayne State University. Nancy met her husband, Ray Howard, a year later through her sister’s boyfriend, who was in Ray’s fraternity. Over the next several years, their love for each other blossomed and they were married on January 22, 1966, at the Shrine of the Little Flower Catholic Church. The newlyweds spent their honeymoon in northern Michigan skiing. The happy couple soon settled in Birmingham, Michigan, for four years before moving to Farmington Hills. Here they would spend 34 years making precious memories together along with their four children, Helen Sue, Ann, Charles and Emily.

The Howard children were blessed with an active and fun-loving mother. Nancy loved being a mother. Her children were her passion and it was her mission to be the center of their lives. She immersed herself in their daily activities including being a Brownie leader for her daughters. When her grandchildren came along, Nancy couldn’t have been happier and became affectionately known as “GrandNan.” The births of her children and grandchildren were treasured as the greatest in her life.

Besides caring for her family, Nancy also found time for work and leisure activities. She and Ray owned a Troy based manufacturing company called Copeland-Gibson Products Corp. of which she was Vice President. Nancy was also a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, Meadowbrook Country Club and a former president of the Farmington Branch of Women’s National Farm and Garden Association. When not working, she enjoyed golfing, gardening and playing in a bridge group for over 30 years. And she was talented in the kitchen too. Nancy will long be remembered for her infamous lasagna. Although she didn’t have a favorite food, Nancy would only eat breakfast if she made it. Her traveling experience included a few trips overseas to Europe and joining Ray on some of his business trips. But one place in particular struck a chord in Nancy and she maintained that Sedona, Arizona was the most beautiful place to be. Another of Nancy’s endearing traits was her fixation with her hair. She was pretty particular about her appearance, and if complimented on her hair, her reaction was to find a reflection so she could make sure it was in place.

Nancy was a strong-minded and fiercely independent woman; one that Ray never had to worry much about. However, it was not only her strong convictions that pulled people in like a magnet. Nancy was a lady of excitement and energy, filled with love for her family and friends. Her joy and enthusiasm for life will live on forever in the memories of all who knew her.

In 1997, Nancy was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. A strong fighter, she never gave up and always had a good outlook. Not dwelling on her own plight, Nancy turned her energy to counseling countless new patients and their families who suffered the same disease. After enduring two stem cell transplants and several years of vigorous battling, Nancy lost her fight with cancer on Sunday, September 12, 2004.

Nancy Jo Howard of Farmington Hills, age 60, died at home on Sunday, September 12, 2004, of multiple myeloma. She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Ray Howard; daughter and son-in-law, Helen Sue and Jim Morgan; daughter, Ann; son, Charles Howard; and daughter, Emily; grandchildren: Andrew, Sarah, Allison and William Morgan; mother, Madelon Hayward; sister, Mary Helen Kaser; sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Bud Siudara; brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Rondi Hayward; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim and Sally Howard, Bill and Joan Howard, Tom and Fran Howard and Joe Howard; many nieces and nephews and friends.

A funeral mass will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 15, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23815 Power Road, Farmington Hills, with Bishop Walter Hurley officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 14, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. with a scripture service at 7 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 West 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. Please visit Nancy’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, leave a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to the Bone Marrow Transplant Emergency Medical Needs, Henry Ford Health System, Philanthropy Office, 1 Ford Place, 5A, Detroit, MI 48202, or the McCarty Cancer Foundation, 27387 Woodward Ave, Berkley, MI 48072.

Although she will be deeply missed, Nancy leaves her loved ones with sweet memories of her warm smile, her enthusiasm for life and her strength. Her example will influence them for years to come.