Mary Pauline "Polly" Howard

1944 - 2017

BORN

1944

DIED

2017

About

California Polytechnic State University University of Maryland

FUNERAL HOME

Eggen & Lance Chapel - Santa Rosa

1540 Mendocino Ave.

Santa Rosa, California

Mary Howard Obituary

Name: Memorial service for Mary Pauline "Polly" Howard
Start: 2017-08-26T18:00:00.000Z
Location: Center for Spiritual Living

Mary Pauline "Polly" Howard
October 8, 1944 - June 28, 2017

Mary Pauline "Polly" Howard, much loved singer, musical theater performer, and teacher, died on June 28, 2017 in San Francisco, CA with her children at her side, after suffering a stroke. She was 72.

Polly was born October 8, 1944 in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada to Arthur and Mary Pigeon. Her family emigrated to California in 1948. She attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Her terrific voice and stage presence contributed to her being crowned Miss San Luis Obispo County in 1963. The same year she met the love of her life, Byron "Barney" Howard. Barney and Polly married in 1965, and she graduated from the University of Maryland the following year.

They built a life and a family in San Jose. Polly started her elementary school teaching career in Sunnyvale. Son Robert was born in 1970. An adventurous three years living in Kodiak, Alaska brought daughter Catherine in 1973, as well as many dear friends.

Polly's gift for song and drama led her to participate in musical theater and light opera throughout her life. She starred in many theatrical productions in the Bay Area, including Pal Joey at SJCLO, Man of La Mancha at Ohlone College, South Pacific with Sunnyvale Community Players, The King and I at Foothill College, Evita at Palo Alto Players, and Follies at Saratoga Drama Group,

Polly taught Social Studies, English, and History at Warwick Elementary in Fremont, Ellis Elementary, and Columbia Middle School in Sunnyvale. She also taught the next generation of aspiring singers and actors, both in her home, as well as with her elementary and middle school choral and theatrical programs.

She retired in 2007 and moved to Sonoma County to be near her grandchildren. In her final years, Polly was most often found walking the creekside trail near her home with her dogs. Or sitting in her rocking chair, enjoying a strong cup of tea. She said recently, "I only do the things I like to do now."

Polly is predeceased by her husband Byron Howard, and her sister Catherine Pigeon Kerekes. Polly is survived by her children Robert Howard and Catherine Howard Lovazzano; daughter in-law Katrina Suprise, son-in-law Arturo Lovazzano, daughter-in law, Jean Clifford; grandchildren Byron Clifford Howard, Fiona Howard, and Damian Lovazzano; sister Diane Glantzberg, nephew Josh Glantzberg, nieces Beth Cruickshank and Eileen Weingram.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 26th, at 11 am at the Center for Spiritual Living, 2075 Occidental Road, Santa Rosa, California 95401, with reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Polly's name to Big Dog Rescue,Penngrove, CA 94951.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bakersfield Californian on Aug. 20, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Howard

Sponsored by Eggen & Lance Chapel - Santa Rosa.

2 Entries

Linda Whittaker-Wedel

August 21, 2017

I new the little girl Polly when she and her family grew up in Wasco Ca/ She had an interesting loving family. Her sister Catheryn was my best friend during those day and Polly and Dian were the little sisters. Her father Art was my English teacher in high school. I ofter think of her talented and loving family. She and her sister had outstanding singing voices even then as young girls. I am happy too know that she had a wonderful happy life and I know that Dian will miss her forever. Rest in peace Poly and I will allays remember her fondly. Your Waco tiger friend Linda Whittaker Wedel.

Shirley Martin

August 20, 2017

Polly was our neighbor in San Jose for 30+ years. Along with her late husband, Barney, her son, Robert and daughter, Catherine, they were the perfect family. My son spend virtually all his waking hours at the Howards when not in school. Robert and Catherine were the brother and sister he didn't have. And, Polly and Barney were his second set of "parents". She had an energy and jest for life that seemed limitless. When she wasn't taking the kids on excursions and organizing activities, she was overseeing swimming lessons in our pool. She joined in our neighborhood evening runs down at the high school track, even though I think she didn't like it that much. She excelled at music and we saw a lot of her performances in local theatre. What fun we had! We're all gone from the neighborhood now, but the memories linger on. Polly is largely responsible for those wonderful neighborhood memories. Lastly, a quote from The Company, a magazine of the American Jesuits (1984) in a piece written by a Jesuit to his friend as he was dying, "Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. Why should I be out of your mind because I am out of your sight. All is well, nothing is lost. One brief moment and all will be as it was before." We will be together again. Say "Hi" to Barney for us.

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