Patricia Ruth (Czelusta) Howard

The family of Patricia Howard is deeply saddened to report her death on November 13, 2017, following 3 years of declining health.  Patricia Ruth Czelusta was born on July 17, 1925, in Toledo, Ohio, to Josephine B. and Aloysius C. Czelusta. She attended St. Agnes, St. Ursula Academy, Mary Manse College, and the University of Toledo, where she received a master's degree in education. In June 1948 she married Eugene (Jack) Howard.  Their union produced six children.

After many years at home raising 6 children Pat, as she was known to friends and family, returned to the paid workforce.  She taught elementary school for many years, initially at St. Charles School in Toledo, followed by Bedford Public Schools. Upon her retirement from teaching, she spent several years working and volunteering at the Manor House in Wildwood Metropark. She was an avid traveler, learner, bridge and tennis player and bird-watcher.

Pat hosted gatherings for friends and family from the time her children were growing up on Drummond Road in West Toledo until her late 80s, when she suffered a serious medical incident. Everyone knew her as sweet, open and friendly -- she welcomed everyone into her home and circle.  Her final months were spent in nursing care at the Rosary Care Center in Sylvania.  This was a bittersweet ending as two of her aunts were Franciscan nuns who had lived at, and helped develop, the Franciscan Convent in Sylvania.

She is survived by her six children John, Mary Eyster, David, Barbara, Charles, and Marcia. Survivors also include eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Shannon Anstine, Liza Eyster, Becky Laird, Katherine Eyster, Alex Olson, Andrew Olson, Lucas Howard, Julia Howard, Dylan Anstine, and Oliver Laird. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, John O. Celusta. 

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Sylvania on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 11 am, preceded by a visitation in the Church vestibule at 10 am. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests remembrances be sent to St. Ursula Academy, St. Joseph's parish in Sylvania, or to the Wildwood Metropark (Windows on Wildlife and Manor House funds).