JOAN HELENE HOWARD

Joan Helene (Goldstein) Howard, beloved mother, grandmother, and matriarch of her family, passed away on Tuesday morning, November 18, 2025, after an ongoing struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 91 years old.

Born on August 31, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York, Joan was the eldest child of Martin Goldstein and Beatrice Mintzer. She and her younger brother, Jay Singer, grew up in Brooklyn during uncertain times. As young children, they faced challenges that shaped the rest of their lives. For their protection, Joan and Jay were placed in temporary housing for children—a painful period marked by separation from their family. Years later, after the passing of their father, the siblings were reunited with their mother, who had remarried. They were then raised by Beatrice and their stepfather, Irving Singer, who became a steady father figure to them both.

Joan attended school in Brooklyn but did not complete her formal education until later in adulthood. Through mutual friends—and a chance walk along the beach—she met Ted Howard (born Teddy Horowitz). They were married in 1956 and were together for 12 years. While together, they welcomed two children, Michele and Jonathan. In 1972, at the age of 37, Joan made the courageous decision to move from New York to Southern California to begin a new chapter as a single mom with her children. California remained her home for the rest of her life.

Soon after arriving in California, Joan found work and became determined to complete her education. She attended night school at Fairfax High School to earn her high school diploma, then continued her studies at Los Angeles City College, where she received her AA degree in 1980. She went on to take evening classes at California State University, Dominguez Hills, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1983, graduating Cum Laude (“with distinction”).

Joan was a woman who loved deeply and generously, opening her home and her heart to others. She enjoyed hosting gatherings—large and small—and was known for her quick wit and warm sense of humor. Yet those closest to her also knew her quieter, creative side. She found joy in simple pleasures: painting, reading, sewing, photography, writing, playing card games, and singing along to the music she loved. Her artistic spirit, resilience, and gentle humor stayed with her throughout her years.

Joan is survived by her two children, Michele (Reggy) and Jonathan; her three grandchildren, Melissa (Dana), Terry (Karen), and Traci (Jeffrey); and seven great-grandchildren: Damon (Kim), Luke, Dean, Sydney, Leo, Andrew, and Jonathan. She was also eagerly awaiting the birth of her first great-great-grandchild, who arrived just 42 hours after her passing—two souls crossing paths between generations.

In one of Joan’s journals, she wrote:

“One of the delights of getting older is trying to figure out what really moves you, what comforts you, what sets you on fire, what disgusts you, what drives you crazy. How do I want to live with the time that’s remaining to me?”

She answered that question through the way she lived—by traveling to spend time with her grandchildren, finding comfort in peace and family, and holding a fire for knowing and loving those around her. She lived her life filled with love, dreams, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to the people she cherished.

Her memory will be forever treasured by all who knew and loved her.

No services are scheduled at this time.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Akes Family Funeral Home, Riverside, California.

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