Obituary of Joan Linda Howell

Joan Howell, 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Wednesday, June 9, 2021, after a valiant battle with ovarian cancer. We find solace in the thought that she was welcomed by her husband Donald Howell, her parents, and many others who have gone before her with the same loving embrace that she last felt from her family on earth. She was born on November 19, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois to Rose and Ben Zukin. She grew up in California and spent over 35 years calling Florida her home. She spent her career as a social worker for the Department of Children and Families for the State of Florida and retired in 2005. Joan was a loving and a devoted mother. She leaves behind her sister, Sondra Olson, and her nieces Jennifer and Julie; her daughters Cathy, Renee, Elizabeth, Donnie and Denise; her grandchildren Jennifer, Cole, Tracy, Robin, Sarah, Wally, Sam, and Jacob; and her son-in-law, Conrad. Joan kept her diagnosis of ovarian cancer and dementia private. She never wanted to burden anyone with feeling like they had to take care of her, especially on her more challenging days. She experienced many challenges in life and faced them head on with incredible strength and determination. Joan was an avid sports fan and loved spending her free time attending or watching sporting events. She especially enjoyed Nascar races, hockey, baseball and football games. She also loved going to the movies and to restaurants with family and friends. Joan will be dearly missed but not forgotten.