Dorothy Howard

Dorothy Howard (Grandma Dot) was called home on October 27, 2019. She filled 90 glorious years with love and laughter, making everyone around her better for the experience knowing her. Gramma Dot left this world as she lived it, surrounded by her large, loving family. A native of Mondamin, Iowa, Gramma Dot moved to New Orleans in 1966, where she lived the rest of her life. She was known as an amazingly strong, caring woman who made everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. A remarkable athlete, she held Louisiana State Bowling records in singles, doubles, team and all events for many years and won the Louisiana Women’s State Singles Championship. Gramma Dot served as a long-time bookkeeper for Neeb Kearney Stevedores and Dan Kelly Warehousing.

She leaves behind her high school sweetheart and devoted husband of 73 years, Thomas Howard; her sister Charlene O’Banion; daughters, Linda and Kathy Howard; son, Bob Howard; son-in-law, Richard Englander and daughter in law, Elizabeth Howard; along with 9 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 5 great, great grandchildren. She is now reunited with her parents, Hattie and William Thomas; sister, Kathleen Peasley; brothers, Lloyd, Clarence, Fritz and Elmer Thomas; and her two loving daughters, Victoria Menendez and Marilyn Englander. We will remember her as a devoted wife, mom, grandmother, sister and friend whose compassion and influence joined us all through our mutual love and respect for her.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to celebrate the life of Gramma Dot with us at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd. New Orleans, LA on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at 1PM with visitation to begin at 11:30.

In lieu of flowers, Gramma Dot would encourage you to make memorial donations to Shriners Hospital.

The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com