Barbara “Barb” Bender Howe, 84, died peacefully at Life Care Center of Altamonte Springs, Florida on May 2, 2019.
She is survived by her sister, Judith Conrad; son, Richard Howe; granddaughters Samantha Howe, Bayleigh Howe and Alyssandra Howe-Hutson; and great-grandson Jaxson Howe; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son Robert Howe; and sister Jacqueline Haley.
Barbara was born on December 12, 1934 in New Castle, to the late Charles and Bernice Bender. She graduated from Miami University of Oxford, Ohio in 1956 with a degree in elementary education. She married and had two sons. Many years later, she received a master's degree in education at the University of Central Florida. She was very involved in not only her children’s lives, but her granddaughters and great-grandson’s lives as well. Barbara’s family meant the world to her and she was always attending school events, sporting games, or taking her grandchildren to explore new things together.
Barbara was devoted to helping people and did so in every aspect of her life as she was actively involved in her church, Maitland Presbyterian, serving as a deacon and volunteering anywhere needed, from cooking a meal or helping set up for an event. She was such an incredibly generous woman. Not only did she take care of her own family and serve in her church, she also volunteered at the Hospice of the Comforter for numerous years where she gave countless hours of her time serving those who needed it the most. Anyone who has crossed paths with Barbara knew just how incredible and undeniable her love for helping others was.
Barbara was the 29th classmate to walk down the aisle at graduation. After her name in the Yearbook it reads: Home Room Representative 10, Majorette 10-11, Head Majorette 12, Y-Teens 11-12, Student Council Committee 12, Literary Club 12.
Barbara
Bender
Howe
