Margaret Bruce Howard

Peg was born on August 10, 1944, in Connecticut to Janet and Robert O’Hallaron. She is survived by her sons, Don and John (Jack) Howard, and her sisters, Maureen O’Hallaron and Kathy Macmahan.

Peg lived an adventurous childhood as a military daughter, moving often and eventually attending Lakenheath High School in England. While living in Rapid City, South Dakota, she met a young pilot named Don Howard—and the rest, as they say, was history.

On May 9, 1965, at age 20, Peg married Donald H. Howard in Rapid City, where both Don and her father were stationed. A massive snowstorm passed through the morning of their wedding, clearing just in time for the ceremony—an early sign of the grace that seemed to follow the two of them throughout their lives.

Though never a sports fan herself, Peg spent decades on sidelines, bleachers, mats, and golf courses supporting her boys. With Don frequently away flying, she managed the chaos of raising two sons with a steady hand and a formidable spirit—equally capable of breaking up fights as she was hosting a perfectly arranged Valentine’s tea. She balanced strength and grace effortlessly.

When Don became ill, Peg cared for him with unwavering devotion until his passing. They shared over 50 years of marriage, and she missed him dearly for the eight years thereafter. Theirs was truly a love story for the ages.

She was “Nana” to four grandchildren—a title she cherished. Loving, doting, and endlessly creative, she filled their lives with tea parties, card games, celebrations, and the kind of warmth only a grandmother can create.

Peg embraced every role she earned: Nana, Mom, Wife. And she lived each one with purpose. She was our guidance counselor, teacher, decorator, project finisher, style advisor, relationship counselor, advisor, “call any time for any reason” friend, doctor, coach, spiritual anchor, and life leader. Always the example. When we needed to know how something should be done, the answer was simple: Because Mom said that’s how you do it.

She mastered the details—gifts perfectly wrapped, holidays brought to life with decorations that seemed to summon the seasons themselves. Easter arrived when Mom made the house feel like Easter. Spring arrived when she said it was time.

If our father were here, he would say he owed much of his success to her—to her encouragement, her support, and, yes, the papers she wrote for him in college (we can finally admit that). And my brother and I would tell you the same: we are who we are because of our mom.

Thank you, Mom, for your love, your example, and your unwavering faith. You fought the good fight. You finished the race. You kept the faith.

We will miss you, and we will carry you with us—always.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Sleep in Heavenly Peace- Limestone County/ Alabama. Their mission is “No Kid Sleeps on The Ground In Our Town”. Once Peg learned about this charity, she wanted to fund an entire build herself. Donations can be made at AL-Limestone Co - Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Peg asked that there not be a ceremony as she did not want anyone to through the difficulty of traveling. Her ashes have been mixed with Don’s and Louie’s. They will be spread in the lake they loved in Tennessee.