Shirley Ann Howard

Shirley Ann Conard Howard, 88, of Hopewell, Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2023, with family by her side.

Shirley was born on May 20, 1935 to Mary Elizabeth McDonough Conard and Lynn Van Dyke Conard in Alexandria, Virginia. She graduated from St. Mary's Academy on June 7, 1953.

She worked for the Navy as a secretary and met the love of her life, Joseph (Joe) William Howard, a librarian and teacher for Fairfax County, Virginia. They married on August 17, 1957, at St. Mary's Church, Alexandria.

Shirley retired in 1992 and moved to Hopewell, Virginia to be near her first grandchildren. Family was everything to her and she kept in contact with relatives far and wide. She loved to travel, read, and didn't mind eating dessert first -- especially coconut cake and ice cream (almost any flavor). Shirley was a devoted wife, mother and friend.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents and beloved husband. She is survived by her children, Lynne Marie Howard Frazer (husband, Russell), Mark Joseph Howard (wife, Marsha Thomas), and Kenneth Patrick Howard (wife, Elizabeth); grandchildren, Julia Anne Howard; Sarah Beth Howard; Isabel Grace Thomas Howard; Sophia Anne Thomas Howard; and great-grandson, Matthew Patrick Howard.

A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Sacred Heart, 9300 Community Lane, Petersburg, VA 23805. The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m.. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Shirley's name to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org . The family also wishes to thank the staff members at St. Mary's Woods, Dunlop House, and At Home Care and Hospice, for treating Shirley as a family member. Your kindness and care is greatly appreciated by her family.

"Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma and sister" we love you. We hope that you are with Dad and all of your family and friends, enjoying a bottomless bowl of ice cream.