Ann Howard

Ann (Balistreri) Howard
Sunrise - January 8, 1961
Sunset – February 18, 2023

Ann (nee Balistreri) Howard was born on January 8, 1961 filling the world with her fire, vigor, passion, and love until she rejoined her beloved husband Vernon Howard, family, and friends in heaven on February 18.

Everyone who met Ann, our Bunny, found her passionate. She lived life to the fullest whenever she could sharing her many gifts with those around her. Gifts of humor, artistry, writing, shocking people, naughtiness, cooking, music, and great love.

She was a great mimic, imitating actors, singers, and people she met with accurate, hilarious vigor. Quick witted, she mastered banter, exchanged barbs, puns, and smart replies with the precision of a fencing master.

Ann lived most of her life in pain from osteomyelitis contracted at the age of 10. Although she suffered through many surgeries, the infection was never cured and her nerves were left in a tangle. The pain and lack of mobility led to other ailments, especially in recent years, but did not hold her back from living a full life.

Among her many accomplishments were passing the CPA exam and giving birth to her smart, beautiful children, Valery Ann and Joshua Timber. As a single parent, she strove to complete her education and support her family. No matter the obstacle landing in her path, she found a way – usually bursting through using copious amounts of sweat, energy, and spicy language.

Those who worked with her found her to be a breath of fresh air. Frank, caring, supportive, and knowledgeable. She mentored many in her professional and personal life. Although many adored her, she kept just a handful of very dear friends close to her. In particular, her best friend since birth and red-headed sister, Eileen Kelly Blackmon. The Kelley family became an extension of the Balistreri’s. We take great comfort in knowing that Ann is now at rest with Aunt Bette, Uncle John, and Maureen in heaven.

Ann entered eternal life on February 18th surrounded by her children, family, and friends. She is survived by her mother Audrey (nee Eidenberger) Balistreri, children Valery Ann (Brian) Jahn (nee Wolff), Joshua Timber Wolff; sisters Chris (Neil) Manske, Susan (Mike) Babinec, Mary (Steve Thompson) Balistreri; brothers Frank (Marie) Balistreri and Steven (Dawn) Balistreri; grandchildren Owen Thompson, Giuliana (Gigi) and Mason Jahn; nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 19 at Elegante Luxury Event Venue, 12600 W. Hampton Avenue, Butler, Wisconsin, beginning at 1 pm. There will be no visitation. The family will enjoy talking with guests and hearing stories after the service. Please consider wearing purple in honor of Ann. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the family through Valery Jahn, W233 N6997 Salem Drive, Sussex, WI 53089.