After a long, difficult struggle, Marian I. Howard quietly passed away at Harmony Manor on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013.
She was born June 28, 1922 to Thomas and Irene Fitzpatrick in Los Angeles, Calif., where she was raised with her sister and brother and attended private Catholic schools.
After graduating high school, Marian went to work as an "extra" dancer in several movies. When WWII started she joined the American Women's Voluntary Services as an entertainment dancer which led her to Burbank, Calif., where she met and later married Bode Howard.
When Bode returned from overseas in late 1945, he and Marian and their toddler son moved back to Bode's hometown of Winnemucca where they made their home and raised their three children.
When her husband was elected to the Nevada State Legislature, Marian stayed at home until the youngest child was old enough to stay with friends. At that time Marian began to accompany Bode to the sessions in Carson City and was with him there when he suffered his fatal heart attack in 1977. She was appointed by the Governor to fill out her husband's remaining year in the Assembly. After the term ended, Marian went to work for the Community College in Winnemucca. She retired 10 years later and then enjoyed her time with the Winnemucca Ladies Golf Club and doing a little traveling. She also enjoyed going to the Senior Center for lunch and socializing with friends.
Marian was preceded in death by her husband, Bode; her parents; sister, June; and great grandson, Jake Eary.
Her survivors include son, Buddy (Delphine) Howard; & daughter, Joan (Ron) Chesser of Winnemucca. Daughter, June (Mike) Fullmer of Cascade, Idaho; and brother, Tom (Mary) Fitzpatrick of Oxnard, Calif. She also leaves five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Marian was happy to be able to spend 2 ½ years at home with her special caregivers who gave her wonderful care and lots of love. The family would like to thank all of them and also the nurses and aides at Harmony Manor for the attention and comfort they gave her in her final days.
Funeral mass services will be held Monday, Feb. 18, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Winnemucca with interment at the Winnemucca Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Lovelock Funeral Home, Lovelock.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Marian's name to St. Paul's Catholic Church, Winnemucca Senior Center, or Winnemucca Volunteer Hospice.
[[In-content Ad]]
