Obituary of Frances L. Howard

Miss Frances L. Howard, 92, formerly of Front Street, Canajoharie, New York, died Sunday, December 20, 2009 at Mount Loretto Nursing Home in Amsterdam, NY. Born on November 25, 1917 in Canton, NY, she was the daughter of Orrin A. Howard and Harriet Baker Howard. Miss Howard had been an area resident since 1946, previously residing in Prattsburgh and Canton, NY. Miss Howard was a graduate of Canton High School, class of 1934. She received her Bachelor's Degree from St. Lawrence University in 1938. She then completed her graduate work at Cornell University and St. Lawrence University and received her Master's Degree from St. Lawrence University. For 32 years, Miss Howard was employed as a Latin and French Language Teacher at Canajoharie Central School until retiring in 1973. Previously she taught in Prattsburgh, NY from 1938-1943. During her retirement years she spent many hours of volunteer work at the Ayres Animal Shelter in Sprakers, NY and for the American Heart Association and Red Cross. Miss Howard enlisted during World War II as a W.A.C. (Women's Army Corps) from 1943-1945, serving in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines. She was a member of the Canajoharie United Methodist Church. Miss Howard was also a member of the Upper Montgomery County Retired Teacher's Association, NYS Retired Teacher's Association, Women's Advisory Board of Arkell Hall and Trustee of the Arkell Foundation. She was a former member of the National Education Association and the Local Business and Professional Women's Club. She was the past President of the Ayres Memorial Animal Shelter. Miss Howard was a dog lover all her life as well as an avid Mets fan. She was predeceased by a brother, Walter B. Howard. Miss Howard is survived by two nephews and three nieces, Courtland Howard and wife Mary Ann of Pulaski, NY, Carolyn and husband, David Burum of Denver, CO, Barbara and husband Richard Wigzell of Milton, NY, Frances Lane of Winston-Salem, NC, Walter Howard and wife, Patty of Saratoga Springs, NY; 7 great-nephews; 6 great-nieces; and 5 great-great nephews.