Elizabeth J. “Jan” Howard, 85, Atwood, passed away at 6:42 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020, in her residence. Jan was born on May 20, 1934, in Bravo, Michigan to Alfred R. and Esther L. (Fowler) Jorgensen, both deceased. She was united in marriage to Robert N. Howard  in 1958, who preceded her in death in 2002. 

She graduated from Watervliet High School in 1952. Jan was employed at Beverly Lumber Co. in Watervliet, Michigan from 1952 to 1956 and continued on to work for Huckins Tool and Die located in St. Joseph, Michigan from 1956 to 1958. Jan enjoyed traveling with her husband throughout his military career in the Air Force. While in California she learned Decorative Painting which in turn became her career. In 1983 they moved to Atwood and Jan set-up art classes in her home and taught until 2019.

Jan was a member of the Decorative Painters Society and a lifetime member of the Animal Welfare League. The AWL was a great interest for her.  In 1998 she volunteered at the shelter on Sunday mornings.  In 2006 she was nominated to the AWL Board. She was a participant in fund raising for the shelter and raised money for an additional shelter. 

Jan is survived by two sisters, Judy Thomas of South Haven, Mich.; Jackie Luten of Allegan, Mich. At the end of Jan’s life, she had four special ladies that took care of her. They loved Jan as if they’d been part of her family her entire life.  At her side were her caregivers, Regena Jones, Jessica Webb, Tricia Brandon and Rhonda Williamson. Jan will be forever in their hearts.

Friends may visit with the family from 3-7 p.m., on Monday, Feb. 17, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. Interment will be at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 18, at North Shore Memory Gardens Cemetery, Coloma, Michigan.

Memorial donations may be made to: Animal Welfare League Building Fund 1048 S. 325 E. Pierceton, IN 46562

To Sign the Guestbook or Send a Condolence go to www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com