Jane Catherine Howells

1939 - 2023

Jane Catherine Howells, 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Georgetown University Hospital. She was born November 28, 1939, in Bootle, England, to George and Catherine O'Donnell. Jane was married to Robert "Rob" Howells for 44 years, who preceded her in death. She is survived by three daughters, Ursula Woolman and her husband, Matthew; Vanessa Howells and her husband, Tony Lin; and Georgina Miltenberger and her husband, Douglas. Jane was the proud grandmother of seven treasured grandchildren: Olivia, Emelia, and John Woolman; Charlotte and Alice Lin; and Peter and Jane Miltenberger. Jane was predeceased by her elder sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Bernard Wright, and is survived by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Alicia and Patrick Briggs; Sara and Adrian Apps; Catherine and Kees Beurze; Philippa and Adrian Daffern; Antonia and John Hall; and her sister-in-law and her husband, Christine and Gary Jones, all of the United Kingdom. Jane also leaves behind many nieces and nephews in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Jane graduated from Seafield Convent Grammar School in Crosby, England. While at Seafield, Jane spent time studying abroad in Spain where she mastered the language and developed a love for the country. She never forgot her Spanish and spoke it whenever the opportunity arose. Jane was a history buff from an early age. She earned a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Wales at Aberystwyth, a master's degree from the University of Richmond, and a Ph.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University. Jane spent her entire career teaching history, starting at Faringdon County Grammar School for Girls in Oxfordshire, England. From there, she went on to teach at The Royal School for Daughters of Officers of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines at Haslemere. After Jane and Rob moved to Richmond, Jane accepted a position as a United States History teacher at St. Catherine's School, where she taught for nearly 40 years. She was a beloved Upper School History teacher, Head of the History Department, Model United Nations faculty advisor, winning Constitutional Law Debate coach, and trusted faculty advisor to many. Jane's dedication to education went beyond the classrooms of St. Catherine's. She also served on accreditation committees for The Madeira School and Foxcroft School, and she trained aspiring teachers at the New Teacher Institute. After retiring from St. Catherine's, Jane served as the Director of Continuing Education at Westminster Canterbury. Jane was also a decades-long docent at Agecroft Hall, where museum visitors delighted in hearing her English accent as they toured the English Tudor manor house.

From a young age, Jane developed a love for music and poetry. She enjoyed her years singing in the choir at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter in Richmond. During her final days of life, Jane was still reciting her favorite poems and singing her favorite hymns. In retirement, Jane and Rob enjoyed their shared love of world travel, classical music concerts, and time spent with their young grandchildren. Jane was a dedicated caregiver to Rob during the long goodbye of Alzheimer's that ended in 2012. Jane happily devoted her remaining years to her grandchildren, always involved in the children's activities, studies, and friends. She wasn't above a good "chinwag" with her granddaughters, who sought and valued her advice on all manner of "gossipy" matters. Jane was never happier than when she was by the sea. Annual trips to the Outer Banks of North Carolina with her children and grandchildren brought her the greatest joy. Jane will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, sense of style, and delightful sense of humor. Jane's family, friends, colleagues, students, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her, helped to enrich her life in immeasurable ways.

There will be a memorial service on September 7, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bridget's Catholic Church, 6006 Three Chopt Road, Richmond, Va. 23226. Please join friends and family for a reception, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., at Willow Oaks Country Club, 6228 Forest Hill Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23225. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Jane Howells Endowment Fund of St. Catherine's School, 6001 Grove Avenue, Richmond, Va. 23226.