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Frances Ann Louise Howard, 87, of 2623 Black Hoof Trail, Milford, Ohio, passed away in her home at 12:35 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. Frances was born to Hildur (Johansen) and Fritz Emmanual Holmstrom on April 18, 1929, in Jamestown, N.Y., and married her late husband, Dr. Frederick A. Howard on July 23, 1949. They were life-long residents of Jamestown, N.Y.
Frances is survived by her three daughters, Christine (Jerry) Skinner of Milford, Ohio, Brenda (Rich) Corbett of Liberty Township, Ohio, and Ann (Gary) Gerber of Alpharetta, Ga.; and daughter-in-law, Lynda Howard of Bemus Point. She was preceded in death by her son, Dr. Mark A. Howard; brother, Dr. Fritz Holmstrom; and sister, Viola Boy. She loved her 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren: David (Rachel) Skinner, parents of Nollie and Bruno, Benjamin (Emily) Skinner, parents of Liev, Madison (Nathan) Kling, Dr. Justin (Katie) Howard, parents of Madelyn and Evan, Dr. Aaron (Dr. Lauren) Howard, Jacquelyn (Ben) Wickerham, Dr. Katelyn (Dr. Drew) Oostra, Taylor Corbett, Jessica Gerber and Sarah Gerber.
Frances received degrees in teaching from Houghton College, Houghton, New York, and Fredonia College of Education, Fredonia, New York. She taught school in Willoughby and Cleveland, Ohio, while her husband finished dental school at Case Western Reserve. They returned to Jamestown where she helped her husband begin his dental practice and being “mom” to her four children. In the 1970s, with her family grown, she returned to teaching elementary school in Ellington, Falconer School District, until retirement in 1991. Fran was an active member at Bethel Baptist Church for over 50 years, playing piano and directing the choir. She regularly hosted visiting missionary families in her home and rarely turned away a charity seeking financial support; it is a legacy imprinted on her children. As a mom and grandmother, she shared her Swedish heritage through her cooking when the family came home every Christmas. It is a treasured memory for all. In retirement, Fran enjoyed winters with her “Freddie” in Delray Beach, Fla., where they welcomed visitors, family and friends alike. When spring arrived, both were anxious to return to New York and their much-loved farmhouse. Her faith, warmth and positive spirit will be missed by all who knew her.
The family will receive friends on Friday, Jan. 20 from 7-8 p.m. at Lind Funeral Home in Jamestown, N.Y., with a memorial service to follow at 8 p.m. Graveside Committal will be on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 3:30 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Portland, N.Y., with Pastor Jim Reed officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Baptist Church 200 Hunt Road, Jamestown, NY 14701 or Romanian Handicapped Ministries 5910 Price Road, Milford, OH 45150, in Frances Howard’s memory.
You may leave words of condolence at www.lindfun eralhome.com.