Naomi Lorraine Howard

Born in Laws, California on May 7, 1922, Penny passed peacefully on October 23, 2023. Penny resided in California her whole life (Laws/Bishop, Auburn, San Francisco, Visalia, Los Angeles, Altadena, Carmichael, Daly City, Fair Oaks).

As a child, Penny spent her summers at Pine Cliff, a small resort in Mammoth Lakes owned and operated by her grandmother, and her idols – Auntie and Uncle. She shared her love of the Eastern Sierra with her children, where they still vacation every year, and where her grandson and great-grandson now live.

Penny was first married in 1942 to Glen Collins, who was MIA in WWII, leaving her a widow with a toddler son, Richard. She then met, and married Robert “Bob” Howard in 1948 and had four more children – Dean, Daniel, Russell and Mary.

Always on the go, Penny was an accomplished artist and writer, and very active in her church and community. She loved Fair Oaks and served as Honorary Mayor in 2006 and again in 2020 and 2021. And she loved adventure – white water rafting and hot air balloon ride in her 70’s, climbed Mammoth Rock at 80; hiked, camped and fished into her 90s.

Penny is survived by her children Dean, Russell, Mary (John), daughter-in-law Linda Collins; grandchildren Michael, Miles, Kaley (Domonic); great-grandchildren Mira, Ripken, Kaia, and Rhett; step grandchildren Michelle (Jeff), Cheryle, Josh, Jeremy (Brittney); and great-grandchildren Tyler, Josie, Johnny, Hudson and Harper; and her grand-dog Benny. She also leaves behind several extended family members and good friends. Penny was preceded in death by her second husband (of 67 years), Bob Howard; sons Richard Collins and Daniel Howard, and daughter-in-law Kristan Howard.

An episcopal service will be held on December 10, 2023 at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 2140 Mission Avenue, Carmichael, CA 95608 at 2pm, with a reception to follow in the church parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made via the Fair Oaks Chamber of Commerce, with a designation to either a memorial bench in Penny’s honor, or St. Clement’s Episcopal Church. Donate online at https://www.fairoakschamber.com/howard, or mail a or mail a check to FOCC, P.O. Box 352, Fair Oaks 95628.