Janet Staley Howard passed away on July 15, 2021 at her home in Delray Beach, FL. She was born in Louisville, KY on December 6, 1927 to Thomas Franklin and Shirley Haynes Staley. She attended The University Liggett School, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI; Rye Country Day School, Rye, NY; Madeira School, McLean, VA and Wells College, Aurora, NY.
Janet met her husband, Robert Gray Howard from Binghamton, NY on a blind date and the marriage lasted over 72 years. She and Bob raised their family in Rye, NY, and afterwards lived in Manchester, VT and Delray Beach, FL. Bob predeceased her as did her only sibling, Thomas F. Staley, Jr. She is survived by her two daughters, Susan Canada of Boynton Beach, FL and Sally Wichert of Burlington, VT; two grandchildren, Carolyn Long of Cohasset, MA and David Bruce of Greenwich, CT and five great grandchildren.
Janet was a “lady” in the real sense of the word. She carried herself with grace and elegance. There was never a hair out of place even on the golf course or in the garden. She was known for the addition of a large decorative pin on her shoulder. Her interests in music, art and reading were extensive. In her past she was a member of the Larchmont New York Junior League and sang with their octet visiting nursing homes. She enjoyed harmonizing with Bob and they never declined a request. She was also a member of the 18th Twig of United Hospital, PortChester, NY, the Women’s Westchester Fairfield County Golf Association, the Rye Garden Club, the First Presbyterian Church of Delray Beach, the Society of the Four Arts and the GulfStreamers Investment Club. She loved and studied the game of bridge and read the bible every night.
Hospice of Palm Beach Trust Bridge helped to sustain her for the past 9 months along with very special individuals who have become family. She will be interred in the Columbarium at the Rye Presbyterian Church, Rye, NY next to her husband. One of her greatest joys besides being with family was to make donations to numerous charities. Mrs. Howard gave to such a variety of charities that the family asks that in lieu of flowers donations to a non-profit be made in her memory.
