John (Jack) Wesley Howard & Vera Eileen Howard (nee Harrington)

Oct 9, 1927 - Aug 4, 2022 | Oct 27, 1934 – Aug 14, 2022

Married May 28, 1955

United in life, Separated at Death, Together in Heaven

Passing within 10 days of each other – Jack at Southlake Village LTC and Vera at home – they are blessed to be together again having sadly been separated since November 2021 due to Jack’s sudden illness.

Jack was pre-deceased by parents Cecil & Gertrude (Raine) Howard, sister Marjorie, nephew William. Vera was pre-deceased by parents James and Maggie (Davis) Harrington, sisters Hilda, Winnie, Nellie, Edna and nephew Lorne. They are survived by their children Laura (Dave) and David (Jan), and grandson Jordan. As well as much loved nieces, great nieces, nephews and great nephews.

Jack and Vera were deeply loved and will be greatly missed by small but close families on both sides, and a large group of friends from around the world.

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Jack grew up in the Beach area of Toronto where his father owned Howard’s Menswear Store on Queen Street East. A graduate of Western University and University of Toronto’s business programs, Jack joined Plastic & Paper Sales shortly after graduation. He remained with the company his entire career, ultimately becoming partner and CEO.

Vera was a first generation Canadian of English immigrant parents, growing up just north of Eglinton & Yonge on Roehampton Ave in Toronto. It was here that Vera first met “the two Marys”, her young playmates who became close lifelong friends.

Jack and Vera first met in the 1950s at Muskoka Beach Inn, she holidaying there with a girlfriend and he pulling up to the dock after an extended canoe trip with friends. It took a entire year for Jack to call on Vera for a date, taking her to the Toronto Symphony, along with his parents! Unfazed, Vera accepted a second date – on their own – to the ballet. And the rest is history.

They married in 1955 and the following year daughter Laura was born. Two years later, son David arrived and their small house by the Scarborough Bluffs was filled with love, family and friends. A move to the new subdivision of Don Mills brought many more friendships that lasted over the decades.

It was during this time that Jack and Vera enjoyed their first trip: Bermuda. They were hooked and over the years travelled the world, often being with the first wave of tourists allowed to visit countries like Cuba, China and Russia. They travelled by themselves, with groups, with friends and with family, creating a rich tapestry of memories for all involved.

In 1970, they built a house on 10 acres of land in Brooklin, ON and so began the country-life-years of horses, cows, dogs, cats, big veggie gardens, teenagers and, again, more lifelong friendships. Vera worked as Administrative Assistant to the President of Ferrco Engineering in Whitby and volunteered at the Brooklin Library. Jack made the long commute to his work in the city. Laura and David attended Anderson Collegiate in Whitby.

Jack and Vera were bonded souls, loving and appreciating music, ballet, travel, the arts, hosting dinners, engaging with the kids and the growing extended family, and welcoming friends, pets and wildlife. The house in Brooklin was often full of young people – the Maw family kids from next door, high school mates, as well as visiting family and friends.

Downsizing from 10 acres to a small bungalow in Brooklin was difficult but necessary. From there, a big move to Hollandview Trail Retirement Community in Aurora, brought a few years of new friendships and happy times in a lovely residence. Vera and Jack were avid supporters of the Aurora Cultural Centre where daughter Laura was Executive Director. They enjoyed countless art shows, concerts and enriching cultural events.

Jack and Vera especially enjoyed that Laura and husband Dave were close by to lend a hand in their later years. When COVID-19 hit, family visits and activities at Hollandview came to a sudden stop. Family and friends visited from afar, displaying signs of their love but could not come close.

Jack & Vera and Laura & Dave were living close to each other but couldn’t be together, so the plan to have Jack (then 93 years old) and Vera (then 86) move into Laura and Dave’s bright and sunny lower level was realised. In December 2020, the little family finally came together in one home and they had the most wonderful year staying close together as COVID continued to separate other families. Family meals, country drives, family pets, and patio cocktails made it a very special time.

Unfortunately, Vera’s poor hearing was completely lost, and she endured several significant health issues. For a person who cherished conversation and music she struggled with the silence. But her always thoughtful correspondence via email continued with family and friends far and wide, and a bit of a summer break from COVID allowed some to visit.

In November 2021, Jack had a sudden heart issue that sent him to hospital, then re-hab and finally Long-Term Care (LTC). He was not able to return home to live with Vera, but the family is grateful for three special visits over the final three months of their lives: Vera, despite being quite ill, surprised Jack at LTC on Fathers’ Day, and with the help of neighbours, Jack was able to visit Vera twice more at home. We are grateful for these poignant memories of two people who loved each other deeply being brought together for final times by caring people.

Jack passed away in LTC with daughter Laura holding his hand on August 4, 2022. His last few months were very difficult, and he is now resting in peace.

Vera’s wish to remain at home for her final months was made possible by the love and commitment of daughter Laura. Laura’s patient and faithful care, with the guidance of the community palliative care team, ensured that Vera was cherished, comfortable and well supported throughout. As Vera’s health began to deteriorate there were special visits with close family and friends, and on August 14th with Laura, special friend Cathy (Hamm) Harris and son-in-law Dave at her side, she peacefully passed in her own bed at home.

The family would like to thank the wonderful Community Palliative Care Team in Newmarket, particularly Nurse Fariba, Dr. Grayson and PSW Michelle and for their tender care of Vera at home.

We also thank the nursing staff at Southlake Community Village LTC and PSW MaryLou for their care during Jack’s stay.

Thank you to family and friends who phoned Jack during various COVID lock downs, sent cards, drawings, and letters to both, sent flowers and treats and checked in with Laura and Dave, and visited when it was possible.

Jack and Vera were curious, open-minded modern thinkers and were fully engaged with the world throughout their lives and indeed, to the very end. Despite their physical difficulties, they continued to have gracious, meaningful conversations with those around them. The beautiful life they built together, and their 67 years of marriage, will continue to be an inspiration to all who knew them. They are deeply missed.

At Jack and Vera's request, if desired, donations in their memories may be made to DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS.

A small celebration of life will be held at a time still to be determined. A family graveside service will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto at a later date.