Josephine T. Howell

Josephine “Jo” Howell (nee: O’Farrell), of Lakewood, NJ, passed away on November 17, 2013 after a brief illness. She was born on November 23, 1932 in Brooklyn, NY, where she was raised. She graduated from St. Joseph’s High School. Jo married Lt. Colonel Frank W. Howell in July of 1960. They traveled throughout his military career with the Air Force to numerous Far East and Stateside bases. Jo worked as a Civilian Administrative Officer with the U.S. Air Force for 38 years before retiring in 1990. During her career, she received numerous service awards and was selected “Woman of the Year” by the American Business Women’s Association, Inland Empire Chapter. She and Frank lived many years in San Bernardino, CA where they enjoyed time on the golf course together.

Throughout her life, Josephine dedicated herself to volunteerism. She served as President of the St. Bernardino Medical Center Auxiliary. After relocating to Lakewood, NJ, she became an active volunteer at the Kimball Medical Center. Jo was a parishioner of St. Mary of the Lake Roman Catholic Church in Lakewood where she served as a Eucharistic Minister. She enjoyed traveling and loved to read. Her generous and kind spirit touched many people. Jo will be missed dearly by family and friends.

She is survived by her sister Marion Franciscus of Hopatcong, NJ; her brother William O’Farrell and his wife Mary of Bright Waters, NY; fiancé James McMahon of Toms River, NJ; and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband Lt. Colonel Frank W. Howell and her brother John P. O’Farrell.

Visitation will be at D’Elia Funeral Home, 1300 Vermont Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701 on Friday from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Her funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday in the St. Mary of the Lake Church, 43 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, NJ 08701. Interment will be in the St. Lawrence Cemetery, Sayville, NY, at a later date. For further information or to post a tribute online, please visit www.deliafuneralhome.com