Mary P Howard

Mary Patricia Howard, dearly loved Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother ( GG Pat ) passed away at 1:55 am on February 24, 2020. She was surrounded by her family in prayer at the age of 89 (just shy of her 90th birthday). She went peacefully to the Lord with clarity, saying goodbye to each one of her family members present.

Born in Omaha Nebraska in 1930, Pat was the youngest of four daughters born to Jim and Toni Minar (from Czech Republic).  She and her sisters Ann Marie, Jean and Ruth went to Mercy High School, an all-girls Catholic High School. After graduating, she worked for Mutual of Omaha Insurance.  Pat met her husband William (Bill Howard) in Omaha at the age of 16-years-old and they were married in 1952 while Bill was serving in the Navy. He was stationed near Laguna Beach, California. They grew to love California and decided to stay. Pat and Bill had four children; Kathy, Peggy, Nancy and Billy.  As their family grew they moved from Long Beach to Westminster and then to Huntington Beach.  In each of their neighborhoods Pat's social skills and her charming ways allowed for her to make long-lasting friendships.  Pat worked for the school district for 22 years. She started as a Special Education teacher aide. Shortly thereafter she found her love of driving a school bus for these children, along with sports teams and for other special activities.

Sadly, Bill passed away in 1992 just two years after moving to Murrieta to enjoy their Golden Years.   A devout Catholic she involved herself in church activities and made herself available to many of her new friends in Murrieta to drive them were needed, including the airport, church, luncheons, etc. She started the Seasons Singles group which involved all churches in the Murrieta community and to this day the group still exists.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband Bill Howard (July 1992), youngest child Billy Howard (May 2018) and her oldest daughter Kathy Howard (December 2019).  

She is survived by daughter Peggy (Ramon), daughter Nancy (Kevin) and daughter-in-law Sherry.  Along with her grandchildren; Aaron (Lizette), Karlie (Jahseam), Katie, Aaron (Rachel), Jared, K.J. (Meghan), Becca (Daniel), Jonah (Eren), Dannette and Wil. As well as her great grandchildren; Micah, Mason, Malachi. Elijah, Jadon, Josie, Everleigh, Elosie, Aubrey and Presley.

In rememberance of Pat Howard, a viewing, rosary and shared memories will be held from 2 pm to 4 pm on Sunday, March 15 at the Evan-Brown Mortuary in Sun City, CA.

The Mass celebrating Pat Howard's life will be held at 10 am on Monday, March 16 at St. Martha’s Catholic Church in Murrieta, CA. A reception will follow at 11:30 am at the Evan-Brown Mortuary in Sun City, CA.  Pat Howard will be laid to rest at 1:45 pm at the Riverside National Cemetery.

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