Kathryn Elizabeth Howick

Kathryn (Kay) Elizabeth Howick, age 83, of Miami Township, West Carrollton, and formerly of Wilmington, Ohio, passed gracefully late January 19, 2008, and ascended the stairway to heaven. We celebrate her life, her being, and her sensitive touch. She went home to be with the Lord.

She was blessed by God the day of her death and baptized by Pastor Bruce Moore of Clear Creek Christian Assembly of God in Springboro, praying together with her family. Kathryn and her family are of the Protestant denomination. Additionally, Chaplain Garry F. Thompson of Spiritual Care, Kettering Medical Center, prayed for Kathryn and her immediate family, thanking God for such a fulfilling life here on earth. Chaplain Thompson was with the family during her final hours of life.

Kathryn (Kay) was a strong person and a remarkable lady. In 1961, she was one of the first persons in Dayton and the Ohio area to undergo "open-heart" surgery. Doctors discovered she had a hole in her heart and she underwent surgery at Good Samaritan Hospital, where her heart was removed and she lived on a heart-lung machine. By today's standards the equipment and medical technology was primitive and in its infancy. She was one of 67 heart surgery patients who were honored at the hospital's first tribute dinner. Her personal inner strength, supported by her husband, Warren, carried her through those trying days. She survived for 47 years thereafter. Kay was a strong individual and a tenacious lady, strong like her own Mother, Myrtle Flint. We admire and respect the two of them tremendously. We envy their strength.

Kay also loved her family deeply. She was from a large family and enjoyed family reunions, sometimes hosting them at her house. Kay (Mom) was the glue in our family.
She was a wonderful wife, great mother, and importantly, with emphasis added, our best friend. It is extremely difficult to lose your Mother and your best friend at the same time.
You could always depend on her, counting on her unwavering support, no matter how difficult the situation. Her husband, Warren, is just as strong and remarkable. Warren and Kay were maried 61 years. We all truly adore the two of them, as they inspire us to do and be our best.

In their earlier years, Kay and Warren were heavily involved in the community in recreation and the PTA, both at C.F.Holliday and West Carrollton High School. They both supported youth baseball and loved working with the kids, giving their precious time to them. They were dedicated to the community and to teaching the kids. Those children who gathered around her often called her "Mom." Kathryn had a heart of gold. She was a giver, not a taker, with a noble set of values. She gave all of us so much love, caring, and understanding. Frequently, the neighborhood kids would camp out, sleep in her backyard, and awaken to a homemade breakfast she would cook from scratch. Her teachings have touched many hearts and minds.

Kay found great joy in her kitchen and was a wonderful cook who preferred the old-fashioned way of cooking her meals from scratch, making everything taste so good. Kay was also an excellent seamstress who could sew together almost anything, enjoying it tremendously. She worked at Monique Fabrics and, later, at Elder-Beerman in Centerville, spending many happy years at her jobs. Kay loved her dogs, especially her German Shepherds; Sebastian, the family's first dog, and then her white shepherd, Regis, who left a large void when he passed. She also enjoyed feeding the squirrels in her backyard. She was very kind to people and animals.

Kathryn also maintained two very special friendships for an admirable number of years. Her life-long friend was Katie Miller, whom she worked with prior to her marriage to Warren. The two were valued friends for some 63 years, sometimes talking two or three times a day. Also, Kay's best friend and long-time next-door neighbor, Faye Augaitis, held a very special place in her heart. They often had a cup of cappucino together and talked about their daytime soap operas. In earlier days, they often shared a Bloody Mary or Margarita. They both enjoyed their breakfasts at Frisch's Big Boy. Katie and Faye were both special companions.

Kathryn leaves to cherish her memories and to celebrate her life: her husband of 61 years, Warren; her oldest son Craig, his wife, Carolyn, and their son, Christopher; youngest son Mark, his wife, Judy, their daughter, Devon Kay Halsall, her husband, Dan, and with special fondness, Kathryn's great-grandson, Blake Austin, now 3; Gary Kale, grandson, Sparky Kale and wife, Cory, and great-grandchildren Courtney, Cody, Casey, and Carly, who all reside in California. Great-Grandma, Blake, and Mark (los tres amigos) would often go visit relatives in nursing homes together, and had fun spending time with our elders. Kathryn always taught us to respect our elders.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her Mother and Father, Myrtle and Dick Flint, and brothers Donald, Charles, William, Sr., and Marvin Flint. She is survived by her older brother James and wife Virginia, and younger sister Darlene Gibson and husband Joseph. Also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends, and special friend and sister-in-law Caroline Gray and her husband, Larry. It is the wish of Kathryn's son, Mark, that God bless Aunt Jeanie Flint, who was present during Mom's most distressful family moment. May God comfort her at this difficult time. It is noteworthy that during Kathryn's hospital stay and her passing, another family member's wife was giving birth to a baby boy, Carson James. It is in that spirit we celebrate "The Circle of Life."

A gathering of family and friends will take place Saturday, January 26, 2008, with the funeral service to immediately follow. Arrangements entrusted to Newcomer Funeral Home, South Chapel, 3940 Kettering Boulevard. Hours of service are as follows: Private family viewing 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.; gathering of friends and family 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.; and funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Funeral procession to Springfield Friends Cemetery, 190 Todd's Fork Road, Wilmington, Ohio, where the burial service will be concluded.

Please view the on-line obituary, send condolences, and sign the guest book at www.NewcomerFamily.com.

Kathryn was an extraordinary lady, wife, mother, and best friend. She will be sadly missed by all. She touched many hearts and shared her wisdom with those she touched. She will never be forgotten. Please come and join us and help Celebrate Her Life.