HOWARD, Linda Suzanne

Linda Suzanne Howard died at noon, June 16, 2003 at Hospice Of The Valley (Immanuel Center) Sun City, Peoria AZ. Mrs. Howard died in her sleep while in the care of caring professionals and her family. Born Linda Suzanne Crume in Soldiers Grove WI on March 4, 1941 to Ellsworth and Eleanor (nee Reese) Crume. Besides being raised in Soldiers Grove she lived and attended school in Baraboo and Madison WI. Linda graduated Central High School in Madison on June 13, 1958 and later married Carl Hubbard and moved to Waukesha, WI. There she raised three children and worked in challenging vocations as a Legal Secretary, secretary for SEWRPC, the WI DOT and Planner. Later she was Associate Director for the South Eastern Area Agency On Aging of Wisconsin. She married James L. Howard in 1982 and their children blended together to make one family, jokingly saying Eight is Enough. But they still brought in two exchange students from Rotary Exchange. One Marie from France and Silvia from Brazil. All were loved dearly and became a lasting part of the family. Linda was a conservative, believing in the rights of the individual and that every person was important and should be respected whether they were rich or poor. She was active in the Waukesha County Republican Party in Wisconsin. Friends in the Republican Party sought her out for counsel and support. Linda was the Campaign Manager in Waukesha County for Tommy G. Thompson's first primary in his run for Governor of Wisconsin. Mrs. Howard was appointed by Governor Thompson To the Board on Aging and Long Term Care when the appointment was approved by the State Senate. She served with distinction as chairman of the board for two terms until she moved to Arizona in January of 2000. Mrs. Howard was also appointed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court to be a citizen panelist on the Medical Mediation Board. She was also a volunteer advocate helping residents in need at Mt. Carmel Nursing Home in Milwaukee WI. After graduating from full-time employment, she worked as a civil process server with Badger Process and Investigations, a census crew leader for the US Dept. of Commerce Bureau of Census and income tax consultant. Linda loved people of all ages. She was an active listener and conversed with interest. She was an avid reader. She loved to read out loud and make the words come to life. She loved to play with her grandchildren. Linda Howard was a traveler not a tourist. She vacationed to meet people and learn their culture, not just to see the sights. Linda Howard's passions were children and helping people who could not help themselves. Besides her reading, she loved to play games, mostly Bridge. Linda was accomplished on the computer and played Bridge with partners from around the world. Many of the Internet persons became lasting friends. Prior to her death, Mrs. Howard was approved and was to be appointed by the Arizona Supreme Court to become a member of the Foster Care Review Board. Sadly enough she will not be able to assist children in Arizona. Linda is dearly missed by her family and many friends from around the world. She is preceded in death by her father Ellsworth. She is survived by her husband James Howard, Daughters Suzanne (nee Hubbard) Joseph Seinko, Sandra "Cinder" (nee Hubbard) Crider, Son Carl Hubbard (Julie), Daughter Christine (nee Howard) Miller, Sons David Howard, Mark Howard, Thomas Howard, Robert Howard ( Elizabeth), Grandchildren, nieces and nephews and her special cat Sammy. Family and friends are invited to a memorial service to celebrate her life; it will be held in her home in Sun City West, Arizona on Friday June 20, 2003, from 4 to 7pm. A memorial service will be held for her in Wisconsin on a date to be determined. Published in The Arizona Republic on 6/20/2003.