Janet Rae Howe was born to parents

Jean and Orpha (Kleckner) Goodrich on November 17, 1932In Clatskanie, OR.

 She died Friday, August 8, 2004In Newport, OR at the age of 71 years. Janet attended grade school and

High School in Forrest Grove, Oregon. She later attended Pacific University in Forrest Grove where

she received her teaching degree. Janet taught 3 years in Eugene, Oregon and then 3 years in Bellevue,

Washington. She then moved to Babenhausen, Germany where she taught grade school for 2 years.

While living in Germany, she met and married William Howe in Babenhausen in 1963. The couple

moved to Patchogue, NY where Janet taught school for 28 years until her retirement in 1996. Bill and

Janet moved to Gleneden Beach in 2003. Janet was a member of A.A.U.W., Delta Kappa Gamma, Couples

Club at the First United Methodist Church of Patchogue, NY, Garden Club of Lincoln City and

several local Bridge Clubs. Her hobbies were her grandchildren, gardening, reading, fishing and

traveling. Janet  is survived by her husband of over 40 years, William Howe of Gleneden Beach, Oregon;

son, Robert Howe of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren, Kyle, Justin, and Shane Howe all of

Denver; and brother, James Goodrich of Hillsboro, Oregon. Memorial services were held Thursday,

August 12 in the Congregational Church in Lincoln City followed by inumment of the cremated remains

at Mountain View Cemetery in Forrest Grove.

Memorial contributions may be made to the United

Methodist Church at 80 South Ocean Avenue,

Patchogue, NY 11772. Condolences to: Bill Howe,

P.O. Box 1108 Gleneden Beach, Oregon

97388.                    

Janet Howe

A Real Friend

When Janet Howe joined a high school sorority, she was asked to do a strong chant very quickly, and repeat it over and over again.  The initiator then instructed her to slow the chant down, and Jan realized she was reciting: "Oh what a goose I am!"  This was but one of the many stories which Janet Howe loved to tell and loved to laugh about.  Jan was a wonderful storyteller.  She was also a marvelous friend, ever willing to lend a helping hand or contribute a kind word. 

Wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, gardener, traveler, and chef, Jan indeed wore many hats, and wore them well!  As a long time P-M kindergarten teacher, she loved being with her children, and enjoyed the stories, plays, and songs as much as the kids did.  On Halloween, she would sometimes appear in a very furry squirrel suit, much to the children's delight!  Her students loved her!

One can never forget a picnic at the Howe's!  Lots of goodies and lots of laughs, interspersed with a rousing game of croquet or bocce.  Jan also loved games and fishing, and was an accomplished word master at Boggle.  She was a consummate communicator, who had the ability to make everyone feel welcome, whether it was in her home or at school.

In recent years, Jan and Bill enjoyed visiting with Rob and Julie's kids -- the Howe Boys of Colorado.  Jan created three fantastic quilts for her grandsons, each custom made to reflect their interests.  She also watched them run with their horses and dogs, took them fishing, and even went snowmobiling last Christmas.  Of course, as an excellent baker, she made cookies with them, and laughed at all those extra decorations!

Janet loved to travel, and she and Bill went to an amazing amount of places around the world.  Yet, building a fire on a beach, or fussing around in her garden watching the birds suited her just as well.  She loved her family and her friends, and was involved in a variety of service organizations to aid others.  She taught all of us a lesson in enjoying life and living that life to the fullest.  Indeed, we have all been enriched by knowing Janet Howe.

Jean Ratigan, Will and Ele Ryder

 Janet Rae Howe

To my "Big Buddy," best colleague and friend.

We worked together for 20 years.  Although we never quite "got around to it," we did get around to do most of it!  She always gave me credit where credit was due.  We put on a show at Canaan Elementary School each of our 20 years together and she always announced to the audience who was the talent behind it.  I may have been the talent but she was the inspiration and the " muscle!" 

She loved having music everyday.  Suzy Snowflake was her favorite during the winter months.  We would sing it when we knew it was going to snow so the children would think they made it snow.  One year Ace Watkins came into my room and demanded that we stop singing that song because it was snowing too much.  Even Ace thought we made it snow.

That was the key to our teaching, making children happy, a camouflage to teaching.  She loved the children.  Each one had a special nickname, which they remembered probably until this day.  Only Jan could give a student a nickname, even I had one.  I got in trouble when I tried it .  That was only something Jan could do. 

She was a "real teacher."  She truly shared.  We planned together each week.  There were more jokes and eating than planning sometimes.  We were a true team, something that is missing in the teaching field today.  When she retired, after 20 years I was on my own.

Going to her house for a cup of tea always meant a piece of one of her delicious desserts would accompany it.  She was renowned for her dinner parties.  Never with paper plates or plastic utensils.  Sterling and china were a must at Jan's house.  Always a trip to the garden of beautiful flowers accompanied a visit.

Oh how she loved the grandkids!  She would call or write me for words to songs or directions for crafts.  She played Kindergarten with them.  Bobby made her so proud!

Let's not forget her fondness for her husband Bill, who she referred to as, "Old Willie!"  There was always a twinkle in her eye whenever she spoke of him. 

My true friend and colleague will be missed.  Until I, "get around to it." Jan, we will team up again someday!

Your "Little Buddy,"

Joanna Banana (Z)