Catherine Joan Howard

catherine  howard
Catherine J. Howard (96)

Catherine (Kitty) Howard passed away peacefully at her home in McLean, Virginia, on August 25, 2018. She is predeceased by her husband Carrol J. Howard (10/22/1914-3/18/1995) and survived by her sister, Jane Zerance; her daughter, Mary Howard Saunders (Rick); and two grandsons, Mark R. Saunders and Matthew B. Saunders.

Catherine Joan Zerance was born November 26, 1921, to Katherine Starsinic and George Zerance in Steelton, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Steelton High School in 1939 and entered federal service as a secretary with the U.S. Army at Carlisle Barracks, PA. She met her future husband, Captain Carrol J. Howard, there in 1948. Following his assignment at Carlisle Barracks, CPT Howard was stationed at the Pentagon. Kitty and Carrol were married at Ft. Myer, VA on November 4, 1950, and spent the next seven years in Falls Church, VA. From 1950 to 1955, Kitty worked as a secretary at the Pentagon. One of her most memorable assignments involved taking dictation during the Army-McCarthy hearings, which began in April 1954. She was also proud to have worked for U.S. Army General Anthony Clement McAuliffe during one of his assignments in Washington, D.C.

In 1957, then Major Howard was assigned to Bangkok, Thailand, for two years, to assist the Thai police in countering the drug trade in what was known as the Golden Triangle. Kitty, her sister Jane and daughter Mary accompanied him to Bangkok and lived in what was known as the American compound. Kitty’s time in Bangkok was something she remembered fondly for the rest of her life.

Kitty and family returned to McLean in 1959 and she remained there until her death. She was an avid reader, bridge and tennis player and worked alongside her husband in caring for their home and six acres of land, a responsibility that included four horses in the early years. Kitty was a skilled seamstress, creating designer outfits for herself and her daughter, and beautiful smocked dresses for family and friends. She was active in St. Luke Catholic Church in Mclean from its founding in 1961 until her death. She was a devoted parishioner and was responsible for the altar linens for many years. Her faith remained strong throughout her life. Her biggest passion was her two grandsons. She gave generously of herself to them from the time they were born and loved spending time with them and bragging about their accomplishments.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, September 14, from 6-8 pm at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 Maple Ave West, Vienna, VA. A Catholic Mass of Burial will be celebrated at St. Luke Catholic Church, 7001 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA, at 11 am Saturday, September 15, followed by a reception in Flaherty Hall. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the SOME charity (https://some.org). Online condolences and fond memories of Kitty may be offered to the family at www.moneyandking.com

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  1. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Death is never natural, even when a loved one has lived many years. Please accept this comfort from the scriptures. Isaiah chapter 41 verse 10 says, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.”


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