Barbara Jean Howard

Barbara Jean Howard of Kalamazoo, died peacefully at her home on September 30 surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 18, 1937 in Kalamazoo, MI, the only daughter of Kenneth (Pete) and Helen (Morgenstern) Snyder. On October 19, 1957, she married her high school sweetheart, Lewis Carl Howard in St. Joseph Church where they were lifelong members. They created a loving home complete with four children within five years. Barb was a devoted wife and loving mother, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. Barb always had a book with her, she never knew a stranger, loved shopping, was a long time member at T.O.P.s, was a terrific cook and pie maker, enjoyed coordinating parties at her house for family and friends, socializing with Comstock Community Center family, supporting charities and especially spending time with her family and friends. She and her husband worked side by side to start their own business, Lewis C. Howard, Inc. where their children and several grandchildren also work. Barbara and Lewis enjoyed traveling around the world to exotic locations like Australia, New Zealand and Costa Rica; their favorite trips were with their children and grandchildren in Africa, Europe and Alaska. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Robert Snyder, two brother in laws; James and Eugene Howard. She is survived by: her husband, Lewis Howard, son, Michael (Nancy) Howard, their children Lisa (Daniel) Melnik their children Allison and Jacob, Melanie (Chad) Diefenbacher, Susan ( William) Wright their child Wyatt, Carl (Nikki) Howard; son Christopher (Debra) Howard, their children Ashley Howard, Kevin ( Kimberly) Howard their child Karly, and Kristen (Brian) Simonds; daughter, Catherine (Gregory) Peck and child Gregory Jr.; daughter, Linda (Dana) Winchester, their children, Bradley (Rachael), Gregory, Kimberly, Daniel, and Sarah Winchester; a brother, Kenneth (Janet) Snyder; sister in laws; Joanne Snyder and Margaret Howard; many nieces and nephews, and her dogs, Lily and Max; her friends/caregivers, Dr. Nadeem M. Mirza, Sharon Tyler, Tiffany Otto, Arlene Halston, Ann Birmann and Tonya Macdonald. Friends will be received for visitation on Friday, October 3 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm with a rosary at 7:30 pm at Redmond Funeral Home, 4100 S. Westnedge Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 4 at 10:30 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rev. Msgr. Mike Hazard presiding with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or Comstock Community Center. www.redmondfuneralhomes.com