Nancy J. Howe
June 16th, 1947 - December 19th, 2022
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Nancy's Obituary
Nancy Jean Howe (nee Paquin), 75, of Benton Harbor, passed away Monday, December 19, 2022 at The Willows in St. Joseph after a very long battle with dementia.
Nancy was born on June 16, 1947 in St. Joseph to John and Doris (Rood) Paquin of Higman Park in Benton Harbor. She attended Benton Harbor High School, studied at Lake Michigan College and graduated from Western Michigan University with both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Education. She went on to marry Tom Howe in December of 1968 before moving to Tacoma, WA where Tom was stationed at Fort Lewis. Eventually they moved back to Benton Harbor, and established their home in Higman Park. Nancy taught first grade at Hull Elementary School for 30 years before retiring in 2000 and was passionate about education. In December of 1991, Tom and Nancy bought the North Shore Inn and embarked on the adventure of a lifetime for 25 years before selling in 2016.
Nancy was the definition of poise, grace, and dignity. She was an avid reader and was always ready with a book recommendation. She had a sense of humor like no other and loved a good joke, although she could rarely get to the punchline without laughing herself into tears. She cherished the many friendships and memories over the years at the North Shore. Nancy loved going for walks around the circle of Higman Park, visiting with neighbors and watching the sunset. The beach was one of her favorite things and she loved spending time with her grandkids searching for beach glass.
Nancy had a sparkle that drew people to her and maintained a feisty spirit to the very end. She loved a good adventure and often found mischief along the way. The support of her friends and neighbors in Higman Park afforded mom the opportunity to stay in the home that she loved as long as possible. The family would also like to acknowledge the many wonderful people who cared for her and made sure she was comfortable throughout her stay at The Willows. The staff was exceptional in their care and became an extended family to our mom.
Nancy is survived by her children John (Stacey) Howe of Benton Harbor, and Courtney (Brian) League of Milwaukee, WI; and six grandchildren-Alana, Isaiah, Jackson & Huckleberry Howe, Julia & Griffin League; her two sisters, Charlotte (David) Gray of Empire, MI and Sarah (Steve) Repasky of Plymouth, MI; along with her nieces and nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Tom Howe.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 3:00 until 5:00 P.M. Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial donations in Nancy’s name may be made to The Willows Assisted Living in St. Joseph or Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to sign Nancy’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Nancy was born on June 16, 1947 in St. Joseph to John and Doris (Rood) Paquin of Higman Park in Benton Harbor. She attended Benton Harbor High School, studied at Lake Michigan College and graduated from Western Michigan University with both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Education. She went on to marry Tom Howe in December of 1968 before moving to Tacoma, WA where Tom was stationed at Fort Lewis. Eventually they moved back to Benton Harbor, and established their home in Higman Park. Nancy taught first grade at Hull Elementary School for 30 years before retiring in 2000 and was passionate about education. In December of 1991, Tom and Nancy bought the North Shore Inn and embarked on the adventure of a lifetime for 25 years before selling in 2016.
Nancy was the definition of poise, grace, and dignity. She was an avid reader and was always ready with a book recommendation. She had a sense of humor like no other and loved a good joke, although she could rarely get to the punchline without laughing herself into tears. She cherished the many friendships and memories over the years at the North Shore. Nancy loved going for walks around the circle of Higman Park, visiting with neighbors and watching the sunset. The beach was one of her favorite things and she loved spending time with her grandkids searching for beach glass.
Nancy had a sparkle that drew people to her and maintained a feisty spirit to the very end. She loved a good adventure and often found mischief along the way. The support of her friends and neighbors in Higman Park afforded mom the opportunity to stay in the home that she loved as long as possible. The family would also like to acknowledge the many wonderful people who cared for her and made sure she was comfortable throughout her stay at The Willows. The staff was exceptional in their care and became an extended family to our mom.
Nancy is survived by her children John (Stacey) Howe of Benton Harbor, and Courtney (Brian) League of Milwaukee, WI; and six grandchildren-Alana, Isaiah, Jackson & Huckleberry Howe, Julia & Griffin League; her two sisters, Charlotte (David) Gray of Empire, MI and Sarah (Steve) Repasky of Plymouth, MI; along with her nieces and nephew. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Tom Howe.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 3:00 until 5:00 P.M. Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Memorial donations in Nancy’s name may be made to The Willows Assisted Living in St. Joseph or Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to sign Nancy’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
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