Ann Clark Howe

Ann Howe, 99, of Raleigh died peacefully on August 14, 2024, after a brief illness, surrounded by family. Ann Elizabeth Clark was born in Richmond on October 18, 1924, to the late William Baker Clark and Louise Graham Clark.

Ann grew up on the family farm in Buckingham County, Virginia. She entered college at age 16 and graduated from Westhampton College, University of Richmond, Phi Beta Kappa with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. She also earned a master’s degree in organic chemistry at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. She met Charles Howe at UNC after he returned from service in WWII and they were married in 1947. Ann was an instructor in chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez, worked as a research assistant at UNC, and then spent a decade at home with her children.

She was an elementary science teacher at the Lab School at the University of Chicago while her husband was a seminary student. Ann then received a Ph.D. in science education from the University of Texas at Austin in 1970. She was a Professor of Science Education at Syracuse University, the head of the Department of Math and Science Education at North Carolina State University, and the head of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Maryland. She was the first woman to hold a faculty position in her department at both Syracuse and N.C. State. Her professional accomplishments are too numerous to detail here but included leadership roles in professional organizations, including President of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching (1983-84), a Senior Fulbright Scholar in Chile, editorial roles with professional journals, and the author of numerous journal articles and two books. In retirement, Ann became a painter and was a member of Cary Gallery of Artists.

She was a longtime member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh where she served in various leadership roles. A person of great energy, curiosity and optimism, Ann balanced her professional achievements with a full family life, a love of travel, nature and gardening, and enjoying her many friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Charles, and her brother, William B. Clark Jr.

She is survived by daughter Judy Howe (Robert Harangozo) of Yonkers NY, daughter Margie Chenery of Raleigh, and son David Howe of Albany NY; grandchildren Patricia Chenery, Sally Howe, Nora Howe, and Caroline Harangozo; her sister, Martha Bell; her sister-in-law, Jean Clark; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, October 18 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh, 3313 Wade Avenue, Raleigh NC.

Contributions in Ann’s memory may be made to Planned Parenthood South Atlantic or a charity of your choice.

Service arrangements are being made through Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC