Lois Howard

Lois Howard obituary, Desert Hot Springs, CA

Lois Howard

Lois Howard Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 18, 2022.
Lois Batchelor Howard (3/30/32-6/7/22) died peacefully at her home in Desert Hot Springs, CA after suffering with cancer for two years. She was born in Alden, NY where she attended a one-room schoolhouse. She went on to receive her teaching degree from Fredonia State University of New York and her Bachelors in Music in organ from the University of Michigan. Lois was one of the first female carillonneurs to play the Charles Baird Carillon and later enjoyed playing the Spreckels Organ at Balboa Park in San Diego. She began her long career as a church organist in her hometown at age 11 and continued to play in Toledo, OH, San Diego, CA and Desert Hot Springs, CA until she was 84.

Lois married Russell Howard in 1954 and the couple soon moved to Toledo where they raised four daughters. Many remember her as a music teacher and private piano instructor. She also performed in numerous concerts as a pianist and accompanist. As a musical docent at the Toledo Museum of Art, she played the Dutch organ, and was also active in the Monday Musicale organization. Following her divorce in 1985, she moved to San Diego, CA.

In addition to music, Lois was a prolific writer who received many awards for her poetry and fiction. She was a devoted letters and music member of the National League of American Pen Women, Inc. She wrote books of poetry, fiction, children's books, and musicals.

Lois never lost her gregarious nature, her joy for life, or her sense of humor. She is survived by her longtime partner Frank Lurry and her three daughters: Karen Howard, Lauren Howard (Rich Reese), and Anapurna Madrone (Gregory Treharne); and her grandchildren: Sam and Emma Reese, Kelby Kilburn, Cyrus Kilburn, and Ruby Madrone. She was pre-deceased by her daughter Ellen Howard, her parents, Emily Davis and John Batchelor, and her brothers, Roy and Ron Batchelor.

The family welcomes donations in memory of Lois B. Howard to the National League of American Pen Women. https://www.nlapw.org/donate/

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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September 26, 2023

Maureen Gosling posted to the memorial.

March 27, 2023

DAVID S BAILEY posted to the memorial.

March 27, 2023

Barbara Shevory posted to the memorial.

Maureen Gosling

September 26, 2023

I am so sad that it is only now I am learning of Lois' death. She was an amazing friend of our mother, Bernice Gosling, and our family adored her. Her creativity, her quirky and original sense of humor always endeared her to us. May she rest in musical and poetic peace. Maureen Gosling

DAVID S BAILEY

March 27, 2023

I always smile when Lois comes to mind. She, along with my mom (Patty Kerr) and their small group of friends, enjoyed many good times together in La Jolla, especially at a local brunch place after church on Sundays. Mom was in a place in her life where she really needed a good friend, and Lois filled that need perfectly. Lois's upbeat attitude and vibrant personality lifted my mom and everyone else around her.
Thank you, Lois.

Barbara Shevory

March 27, 2023

Lois was a wonderful, positive influence on my mother, Patty Kerr. She encouraged her to get involved with Penn Women and to continue writing poetry. They had so much fun in the church choir and especially loved going out to brunch afterwards and enjoying the "adult beverages" that were part of the Sunday tradition. They also laughed a lot during game nights and went on some wonderful cruises together - something my mother had never done before meeting Lois. She, Frank, Linda and my mother were quite a quartet. They sure knew how to party! And they also were able to share their true feelings with one another. I think the "Lois "Chapter" of my mother´s life was one of her happiest. I am so grateful that Lous reached out to her and included her in the group.

Julie Virostko Ende

December 21, 2022

So saddened to hear of Lois´ passing. Forever "Mrs. Howard" to me she was more than just a piano teacher. She was mentor, friend and surrogate mother after mine passed. Thank you to her family for sharing her with me. May your memories provide you comfort. She´s playing music for the angels, I´m sure.

Christine H Penney

July 25, 2022

Lois was a dear friend of my Mother and they often performed together at the Toledo art museum and churches in the area. She was a fine musician and a beautiful soul. Prayers for comfort and peace along with my sincere condolences to the family.

Carol Mann

July 25, 2022

Rest In Peace, dear Lois.

Marge Dodge

July 25, 2022

Lois fought her battle with cancer with courage and finally acceptance. She never stopped writing her inspiring poetry and playing beautiful music in her head. I first met Lois when she was a Pen Woman in the La Jolla branch and then enjoyed her when she transferred to the Palm Springs branch. She loved the Pen Women and she will be missed. May she rest in peace. I know there are organs in heaven and she is playing it.

Kathy Bjork

July 24, 2022

I don't have to tell you what a wonderful person your mother was and, Frank, she was so fortunate to have you in her life. You have my deepest sympathy. Lois and I both shared a love of poetry; I looked forward to the poems she sent almost daily, even when she was suffering. She has left behind a treasure in her music and writing. It is something you will always have along with years of memories. The world has lost a special woman and I have lost a friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Judith Grubman Fabris

July 19, 2022

Frank- you took such good care of her- she was a true treasure and friend and will be miss. Sympathy and prayers to you and all the family.

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Rose Mortuaries & Cremation - Desert Hot Springs

66424 Pierson Blvd., Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240

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Sign Lois Howard's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 26, 2023

Maureen Gosling posted to the memorial.

March 27, 2023

DAVID S BAILEY posted to the memorial.

March 27, 2023

Barbara Shevory posted to the memorial.