MILDRED HOWARD

Mildred Howard Mildred Vera Howard died at age 62 in Olympia, Washington. She passed away gracefully on the morning of Sunday, March 6th, at St. Peters Hospital. Millie was born on September 17th, 1948 in Frankfurt Germany to Christana and Vernis Johnson. Her father was in the military. Before Millie was three years old, her father was transferred to South Dakota. She and her mother had some difficulties when they moved to the U.S., in part because Germans were still viewed poorly after the Second World War. Soon after relocating to the U.S., Millie was joined by a younger brother, Robert, who followed her incessantly, and they spent their youth together. Millie graduated from Peninsula High School in 1967. She was a member of the German Club, school annual, and class senate. She was also voted most likely to be remembered and honored as the homecoming princess. When her high school boyfriend returned from Viet Nam, Millie proposed to Brian Howard. She married the man of her dreams on Ground Hog day in 1970 wearing a white pantsuit and violet high heels. One year later, Jason Howard was born in Tacoma, Washington. In 1975, Millie's only daughter Jessica was born. Jacob arrived in the spring of 1977. Millie's three children were her first priority, and she gave all her time and energy to their upbringing. Formula was prepared from scratch, naps were taken in the fresh air outside. She cooked meals every night and never allowed preservative-laden food or sugars. Laundry was hung on the line and homework and Bible study were given utmost attention. Halloween costumes were sewn by hand, as well as several articles of clothing, curtains, and blankets. Millie allowed a plethora of pets in the house to the joy of her children, such as lizards, snakes, gerbils, hamsters and the family cat Junior. She helped her children mourn the loss of these beloved creatures, and a pet cemetery was erected under the backyard plum tree, complete with funeral ceremonies and headstones. Millie worked as a receptionist and retired at age 55. She lived the bulk of her life in Tacoma, and recently had moved to Olympia to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her three children, two grandchildren, her half brother Daniel Anderson, and her three cherished cats, Cookie, Bart, and Loverboy. Millie has joined her mother, father, brother, and grandparents in heaven, where we are certain she is gardening and pruning to her heart's desire. May the wind be blowing and the sun be shining on her, as she continues to plant seeds of love in heaven. The Celebration of Life party will be held on April 10th, 2011 in Olympia at the home of her daughter. For further information, please contact Jessecaslin@gmail.com .