Jane L. Howard

Jane L. (Fiore) Howard, 89, of South Anguilla Rd. passed away Tuesday, December 20th 2022 after complications from a stroke. Born in Westerly, she was the daughter of the late Anthony and Catherine (Woodbury) Fiore. She was preceded in death by her husband Byron J. Howard Jr. in 2007. They married June 2nd 1953.

Jane attended Immaculate Conception School before graduating from Westerly High School in 1951. In the early 50's, she worked at J.C. Penny in downtown Westerly. Jane worked at the Fort Dix NJ Post Exchange while Byron was stationed there during the Korean War and they later moved on to Fort Bennington Georgia. After discharge, they both were employed by George C. Moore Co. In 1955, they moved to Chicago where Jane attended Felt & Tarrant Comptometer School, and Byron attended school on the GI Bill. Returning to the area, she worked for Industrial National Bank.

After raising her children, she returned to work as a receptionist at H&R Block for 25 years and Clerk for the Wequetequock Fire District for 35 years. Growing up during the Great Depression and WWII influenced Jane's life, and she passed on her values to her children.

Jane enjoyed regular luncheons with her WHS classmates, and she was active in organizing class reunions. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother, member of the St Michaels' Lady Guild and Festival committee member. In her later years, Jane could be found at her kitchen table solving crossword puzzles and feeding the birds at her window.

Jane will be dearly missed by her children and their families: Steven and Kathleen Howard and daughters Sydney and Shelby; Douglas Howard; Byron and Marnie Howard and son Jacob; and Amy Ruenzel and daughter Kate and son Jackson. Jane was predeceased by her siblings, Esther Thompson, Natalie Turano, Philomena Taylor, Attorney Samuel Fiore, Martha Burley, and David Alfiero; and her step-mother Josephine Fiore. She is survived by her brother Anthony Fiore (Cynthia), as well as many nieces and nephews.

Jane's children want to thank the staff of the Royal Health Center Westerly for their excellent care.

Visiting hours are omitted. A Funeral Liturgy will be held at 10am on Friday, January 6th 2023 at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 60 Liberty St., Pawcatuck. Burial is private.

Gaffney-Dolan Funeral Home, 59 Spruce St., Westerly is in charge of the arrangements. For online condolences please visit www.gaffneydolanfuneralhome.com