Deanna "Dee" Louise Howell

Known to all more affectionately as “Dee,” she was born and raised in Detroit and was a proud graduate of St. David High School, the Class of 1956.  Following that milestone event, Dee’s life took its normal course for the next 8 years until everything changed when Cupid entered the scene and Dee was introduced to a dashing young man by the name of Jay Howell. The year was 1964 when a chance meeting at a friend’s house across the street opened the door to romance,…yet at that juncture, everything was all brand new. But Cupid’s arrow had pierced their hearts and they would spend the next 5 years getting to know each other and, subsequently, falling in love. That love eventually blossomed into the sharing of their vows when she and Jay were married on May 10, 1969 at the Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church.

Along with the loving care she poured into her role as homemaker, Dee worked outside of the house as well. Employed for many years with the Warren Consolidated School District, Dee’s expertise and strengths were utilized as a cook where she was tasked with keeping everyone well fed and nourished. As her career ensued, Dee’s responsibilities would change from cook to baker,…so now she was helping to make everyone’s lunchtime REAL happy. Baker was the position she held upon accepting her well-deserved retirement. After many years of loyal and dedicated service, Dee decided it was time to begin a new chapter in life, post employment.

When she found time away from work, Dee had a number of activities and pastimes that kept her engaged and fulfilled,…such as her weekly aerobics appointments, an activity she shared with a few of her girlfriends every Thursday. It was a routine they shared that kept them healthy, both physically & emotionally. As time marched on and their bodies were no longer able to withstand the exercising, Dee and her friends still held to their Thursday dates each week by sharing a meal at a local restaurant. Dee and the girls were also great fans of bowling, another activity they shared throughout the years. Nothing says fun quite like getting a few friends together around the ball return, waiting for your opportunity to roll one down the alley. Always in search of that infamous “300 Game,” they simply had a ton of fun together and “racked up” some great memories in the process.              

Another pastime Dee enjoyed immensely was spending time in her garden at home. Possessing a green thumb and the skills of a horticulturalist, Dee poured her heart into tending and nurturing its growth and making it a vision of splendor for all to partake. She will forever be remembered, as well, for that incredible Christmas Punch she made at the holidays. Everyone loved it and couldn’t get enough of it, and now the homegrown vintner is no longer with us. We can only hope that the recipe was left behind. Gotta wonder if the “recipe” was anything like that produced by the ladies on the popular television show, The Walton’s. Hmmm. For the many who knew Dee, they’ll also attest to what a lover of animals she was,…especially when it came to the canine of the species. Dogs held a special place in Dee’s heart, and being in their company never ceased to fill her with a warmth and passion that could only come from a true “dog lover.”

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Dee was a kind and compassionate person who loved on everybody with that gentle soul she possessed. In her own sweet way, Dee was accepting of everyone,…and as the old saying goes, “she never met a stranger.” Her husband Jay was often asked why he chose to marry Dee, and his reply would always be, “because she’s the nicest person I know.” What a testament to a fine lady, and what truth it was to all who knew and were touched by Dee’s life. She will truly be missed by all.

She was the beloved wife of Jay. Dearest mother of Deanna Davis and Kenneth (Kim) Tewell. Loving grandmother of Ronald (Stephanie) Sobjack, and Jeffrey (Betina) Davis. Devoted great-grandmother of David, and Natalya Sobjack. Sister of Reva (the late Ed) Bubeck, Madeline (the late Loren) Russell, Donald (the late Rose), Andrew (the late Rivete), and the late Raymond (the late Mary) Cooks. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, loving family members and friends.

A Memorial Visitation for Dee will be held on Sunday, November 10th from 11:00 am until the time of her Memorial Service at 2:00 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren.

In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to the Detroit Animal Care and Control, 7401 Chrysler Drive, Detroit, MI 48211.  www.friendsofdacc.org

Please share memories of Dee at her guestbook below.