Ann Howard Obituary Ann Howard, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on Dec 7 at the age of 91. Ann was born on April 16, 1931, in Upper Montclair, New Jersey, to Walter and Ruth Rowland. She attended Kimberly Academy and graduated from Wheaton College of Massachusetts in 1953. In 1951, Ann married James Howard, who was soon deployed with the Navy. After Jims service, the couple moved with his job at Cargill seven times before finally settling in his hometown in the Minneapolis area, where they spent the last 50 years of their lives. Ann and Jim had four daughters: Deborah, Joanne, Elizabeth, and Barbara, who brought them great joy and purpose. Ann was a woman of many talents and interests. She was an accomplished watercolor painter, creating and sharing beautiful still lifes, or whimsical scenes that brightened her grandchildrens walls. She also was an athlete who loved sailing, tennis, and golf, and her competitive spirit kept her active until she lost her sight in her late 80s. Ann loved to travel, too, and she and Jim saw much of the world with many dear friends. Ann was an active member of her community, regularly volunteering at various organizations in the cities where she lived. A long-time member of Wayzata Community Church, Ann served as Deacon and was involved in a variety of ways over the years. She was also part owner of The Gold Mine antique store in Wayzata, where she delighted in discovering hidden treasures and sharing them with others. Ann was known for her strength and resilience, and her dry sense of humor. Her fortitude was tested in her later years with the loss of two daughters, her sight, her independence, and recently, her husband, but she faced it with firm resolve and a quick wit. She loved to laugh, especially at herself, and often was reduced to joyful tears. Ann will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of strength, creativity, friendship, and community service will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have been a part of her life. Ann was preceded in death by her husband James Howard just eight months earlier, and daughters Joanne Hitch and Barbara Lundsgaard. She is survived by her daughters Deborah Howard and Elizabeth Sellars (Thomas), sons-in-law Thomas Hitch and Wilson Lundsgaard, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 pm on April 15 at Wayzata Community Church. Memorials may be sent to Pets for Vets or the Glaucoma Foundation. Services Celebration of Life Saturday April 15, 2023 3:00 PM Wayzata Community Church 125 East Wayzata Blvd Wayzata, MN 55391