Janice L. Howard

BROADALBIN, NY – Janice Lynn Howard has left us to take her place among the angels above, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. During her battle, she taught those of us lucky enough to be a part of her life, many important lessons, just as she always had. She showed us what love, kindness and courage really look like, even as she fought for her life. She thought not of her own pain, but of the affect of her illness on her husband and her family, not to mention the myriad of concerned friends. The truth be told, to know her was to love her. This became more and more obvious as the home she shared with her husband was packed full of family and friends every single day. Everyone was searching for anything they could do to help her or her family. Janice leaves behind her beloved husband and lifelong companion of over 40 years, Paul J. Howard; daughter and dear friend, Heather DiPietro of Milton, NY and son and dance partner, Paul J. Howard, Jr. of Ballston Lake, and always her baby boy, Joseph Howard of Menands, NY. Two very special people in her life were Deborah Howard, Paul's wife and every bit a daughter to Janice, as well as son-in-law Frank DiPietro keeper of the mother-in-law points forever. Being the baby of her family, she is also survived by her siblings, Joyce and Roger Woodruff of Holden, MA, June and George Schubert of South Carolina, Glenn and Diane Schermerhorn of Schenectady, NY and Jean Pastore of Schenectady, NY. She was also very close to and is survived by her in-laws Agnes and Ken Borden, Kathy and Norm Panting and Mickey Doyle, all of East Greenbush, NY. The true joy in her life was spending time with her eight beautiful grandchildren, Amanda Leigh Howard, Chezmin Sheehan, Joseph Crisafulli, Meghan Howard, Brienna DiPietro, Paul Howard, Kelsey DiPietro and Stephanie Howard, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Janice's focus was always on her family and loved ones. We, her immediate family would like to thank all of the people who have provided meals, care, prayers, and comfort for Janice. It is appreciated more than you'll ever know. Janice's husband and family would like to thank Mountain Valley Hospice (Mindy in particular), the American Cancer Society, Suzanne O'Loughlin, Jan's friend and physician, Dr. Edward Liebers and his staff, the Broadalbin Pharmacy for the great service and kind words, the staff and patrons of Holland Meadows Golf Course for their friendship and kindness and to our many friends and family. Words cannot express our gratitude for the love and support offered through this most painful time in our lives. This is more of a journey for Jan than a passage. She was already an angel while here on earth. Now, she will take her place amongst the rest of the angels in heaven, where we are sure she will continue to watch over all who love her. "If love could cure cancer, Janice would still be with us."
Funeral services will be Tuesday afternoon at 1:00 p.m. at New Comer-Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave). Calling hours will precede the service from 10:00 to 1:00 at the funeral home. Interment will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Guilderland.