Though she has left us all to soon, Judy Howe has carved her name onto the hearts of her many
treasured friends and beloved family. She leaves behind a legacy of generosity of spirit, perseverance, loyalty and love.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, a place close to her heart, Judy would often share joyful memories of
her Mother, brother and sister and growing up near their beloved Aunts and Uncles. She recalled her Mother as a strong, loving woman who instilled in her the very same. Judy loved school, she especially enjoyed reading, something she continued throughout her life. Many of Judy's sweet friends are still in Richmond. Stories of their times together were some of her fondest memories. Her dearest friend remains there and described Judy as the sister she never had, a sentiment which Judy would have agreed with wholeheartedly.

At 22, Judy met her "handsome man", her future husband Doug, at work. Their 56 years
together began when they were introduced by a mutual friend. Doug charmed Judy with an offer to see if he could get her work as a bunny girl in the new Playboy Club. Judy adored Doug and would sing his praises to everyone. His encouragement, love and devotion to her through the years never wavered. She was so proud of the life they built together.

Judy was a mother in every sense of the word. Her three adoring daughters, Dr. Jill Howe, Suzannah Howe and Jennifer Petterec (Dan) cannot recall a time when she was not there to
support them. They loved her cooking, despised her hand typed notes on the proper way to do laundry (no matter how well-written) and the way she made everything at every holiday so special. "Miraculous" would be the word that would describe how this sweet southern belle kept her composure to get these three girls to adulthood. We are all better people for growing up with a mother who taught us to care for others while remaining true to who we are.

Perhaps Judy's greatest joy was her six grandchildren. Alexis Thrussel (Michael), Shaynah Foshee, Ryan, Timmy and Katie Petterec and Joe Berg can tell you just how special their "crazy ol' Grammy" was. She played a big role in helping to raise each one of them. She also played a big part in helping her triplet grandchildren become a reality. Whether having lunches or dinners, going on
vacations together, playing games, attending dance recitals and gymnastics meets, Taekwondo class and Karate class, our Grammy made sure to be present in her grandchildren’s lives. A little piece of her will surely live on in each of them.

A member of the HN Chapter of PEO for 30 years, Judy served as past president as well as taking on many other roles. Her sisters described her as outgoing, witty, always with a smile and willing to do anything to help a friend. This bond of sisterhood sustained Judy throughout her life and most especially throughout her health challenges in her later years. These dedicated ladies commit themselves to helping empower other women through motivation and educational assistance. She
was incredibly proud of all she and her sisters do and she loved them all dearly.

Judy was there for people, especially those she loved. She would often remember things people
liked and would gift them with little surprises. She was outgoing and talkative and when in the presence of her daughters there was almost never a quiet moment leaving Doug happily unable to get a word in edgewise. An amazing, eloquent writer...Judy could make a simple email or text sound like a literary work of art. It is no surprise that she was so fond of her daily 7 Little Words Puzzle. Opinionated, Judy always enjoyed contributing to the conversation. She was notorious for her idioms which meant we were constantly googling her phrases to translate their meaning.

Judy would want you all to know how much you meant to her. She would be overjoyed to know what she meant to all of you. She would want you to keep smiling and making the most out
of this beautiful thing called life. We will remember Mom sitting in her happy place, on her deck out by the river watching her grandchildren play in the water...that beautiful smile on her face. Goodbye for now Mom, or as you would say "see you later alligator."

No formal funeral services will be held at this time. A Celebration of Judy's life will follow at a later date and that information will be shared with family and friends. Should you so choose, donations can be made to: PEO Chapter HN 2537 North Raleigh Arlington Heights, IL 60004.