Kathleen Elizabeth (Neary) Howard

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Kathleen Elizabeth (Neary) Howard, age 93, of Fairfield, beloved wife of John Joseph Howard. Kathleen passed away peacefully on January 2, 2024, with her family by her side after a long and beautiful life. Born in Fairfield Connecticut, to John and Loretta Neary, Kathleen was the only daughter and sister to her older brother, Hugh. Between the two siblings grew families of twenty children in total.

Kathleen attended and graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas school, which she accessed by scooting through a fence from next door Neary Court where she grew up, Lauralton Hall where she  enjoyed the train ride each day and the College of New Rochelle where she graduated with a degree in history and education.

On July 18, 1953 she married the love of her life, John Joseph Howard. The couple built their first home on Romanock Place in Lake Hills known for its “newlywed” homes. She is survived by her nine children John (Pam), Maura (Michael) Curtis, Michael (Helen), Kathleen (Wesley) Hubler, Peter (Christine), Megan (Leigh) Hannum, Paul (Laurie), James (Robin) and Sara (Alex) Rankin as well as twenty-seven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren (two more due any minute now) and many, many nieces and nephews.

After her pride in her family, Kathleen was most proud of having been born and raised in Fairfield, Connecticut. She served her town for years as a gifted teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas school, as a successful realtor with multiple agencies in town, as a Eucharistic Minister in the church, served on the RTM for many years  and as Selectman for the Town of Fairfield. She was a lifelong parishioner at St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

She and her family cherished the experiences they shared visiting Surf City, Long Beach Island every summer which continues to this day when fifty plus siblings, cousins and others converge each July. The annual sunset bagpiping at the Bay is a special event each year.

The entire family would like to extend thanks and gratitude to Arnette Ellis and Lorene Swarni for their loving care and compassion. Family and friends may greet the family from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 S. Benson Rd., Fairfield.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, January 9th at 10 a.m. meeting directly at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Interment will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends may consider a donation in Kathleen’s memory to Operation Hope, 636 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.