Obituary of Joan Carlisle Howard

Orrington--Joan Carlisle Howard, 82, passed away on March 25, 2021, after several years of declining health. Joan was born April 6, 1938, in Orange, New Jersey, the second of Richard and Elinor Hopkins’ six daughters. 

Joan graduated from Summit High School, Berkeley Secretarial School, and later in life earned a B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Maine. After Berkeley, Joan moved with her family to Huntsville, Alabama where she met her first husband, Donald Slyne. Together they had four children. Joan later met James Howard, Jr. and they married in 1974. Throughout her life, Joan held various positions including at Redstone Arsenal; Aetna Insurance; owner of Windswept Print Shop, which published the Orrington Gazette for many years; and ended her working years as the programmer for the Registrar at the University of Maine. After marrying Jimmie, Joan supported the family-owned dairy farm in many ways, from milking cows to bookkeeping. Joan was actively involved in local government, including the Penobscot Regional Planning Committee and the Orrington Board of Selectmen. Joan was the first female member of the Orrington Jaycee’s. She enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, needle work of all kinds and cared for all living things. In her retirement she enjoyed spending time with her nearby grandchildren and taking them on adventures throughout the state. 

She is survived by her husband Jimmie; children Michael (Jessie-Fern) Slyne, Patrick (Deborah) Slyne, Timothy (Tai) Slyne, and Catharine Gignac; stepchildren Susan (John) Mikel, Rusty (Darcy) Howard and David Howard; sisters Willafay McKenna, Susan Woodruff, Cathie Coleman and Debbie Korray; grandchildren Michael, Elizabeth, Catie, Liam, Manny, Kelley, Jacob, Anthony, Keven, Thomas, Colin, Emily, Jeremy, Owen, Charlie, Will, Brooke, and Phoebe; beloved dog Chummy.  She was predeceased by sister Barbara Gaudette.

The family wishes to thank neighbors on Mill Creek for their support of Joan.  

Graveside services will be held 1 PM, Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at Rainbow’s End Cemetery, Mill Creek Rd., Orrington. Family and friends are welcome to Joan’s home afterward to celebrate her life.  Messages and memories may be shared with the family at kileyandfoley.com

Arrangements by Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State St., Brewer.