Nancy Mae Howard

Nancy Mae Howard 83 passed away April 1, 2011 at Kaiser Hospital in Fontana, with her husband John at her side. They were wed in Sikeston, Missouri on June 13 and had been married 62 years. She had succumbed to cardiac arrest. Nancy was born August 23, 1927 in Alton, Illinois and moved to California via Michigan in November, 1950. She lived in various southern California cities before making residence in Pomona for 37 years. She settled in Yucaipa in 2001. Along with her husband, Nancy is survived by their son, Douglas, four grandchildren, Tiffany, Jason, Vanessa and Danielle, six great-grandchildren and her Chihuahua Geeje. Nancy had many talents. She prided herself in specially hand-crafted gifts for neighborhood children, practically every holiday of the year; especially Halloween, which was her favorite. She would hand out gift bags of toys, instead of candy. Easter was also one of her favorites, she specialized in making chocolate bunnies for her Easter baskets. Nancy was an amazing portrait and landscaped painter. Recalling Christmas mornings at her house always included a beautifully adorned tree surrounded by wrapped and decorated gifts and Nancy at the organ filling the air with music. She was no stranger to a guitar, either. Nancy was an excellent baker and cook; she prepared sumptuous meals for the many family gatherings. She also made all necessary repairs and improvements that she wanted for her home. Nancy was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for 19 years. One of her favorite activities was as a Division Officer in charge of doing vessel safety examinations. As a Flotilla Commander, she was presented the Pickering Award for having the best flotilla in U.S. Coast Guard District Eleven. She owned her own boat and was the operator in charge on ocean and lake patrols for search and rescue of disable vessels to be towed to safety. She was also well known for her table decorations and centerpieces at Coast Guard Auxiliary awards ceremonies. Per her wishes, Nancy will be cremated and inturred at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California. Arrangements will be handled by Emmerson Bartlett Memorial Chapel in Yucaipa, California. Nancy lived a long, full life. She loved great and was greatly loved. She will be missed dearly.