Jean Straiton Howard
Jean Straiton Howard, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on February 18, 2021. A New Milford resident for 63 years, she was born December 26, 1933 to Paul and Mildred Carlson Straiton in Danbury, CT. She graduated from Danbury High School with the very special class of 1951 and cherished life-long friendships with some of those classmates. Jean worked for many years as a histology technician at New Milford Hospital.
Jean satisfied her love of art and creativity through painting (oil and watercolor), quilting and counted cross-stitch. Crossword puzzles and sudoku offered a hook for her life-long love of learning and intellectual challenge. She enjoyed few things more than card games and was an enthusiastic Bridge player. Jean was an unwavering fan of UConn women’s basketball for many years.
Jean and her young family spent summers traveling and camping, which provided a lifetime of wonderful travelmemories, experiences and stories. After that, she and Harry spent more than two decades of their retirement as part-time residents of North Myrtle Beach, SC – a time and place she cherished, along with the special friendships that grew there.
Jean was predeceased by her three brothers Paul, Roger and Donald Straiton, and grandson Gregory Sibilio. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Harry, son David (Richard Colicchio), son Mark (Mary Ongaro), daughter Laurie Molnar (Gary), grandchildren Emily Hults (Mike), Nicole DeBroske (Troy), Carey Castonguay (Bruce); Sean Howard (Nicole), Tracey Howard, Kendra Molnar and Brendan Molnar, and long-loved friends Terry Pitcher and Sue Howard. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Jean always considered herself a very lucky person. She enjoyed a wonderful, familyfocused life. Her close and devoted sphere of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her neverending joy.
Donations in Jean’s memory can be made to: Regional Hospice in Danbury, New Milford’s Community Fuel Bank (a private fuel bank for residents in need) or Loaves & Fishes Hospitality House of New Milford (an all-volunteer organization that helps feed the hungry). Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge Street, New Milford, CT assisted the family with arrangements.