Catherine Howard Obituary

Catherine Jacqueline Ann Penn-Howard (Cathy or "CJ") was born on June 17, 1931 to the late William C.
and Cornelia A. (Mincielli) Penn in New Brunswick, NJ. Catherine passed away peacefully on the evening
of January 23, 2025 at the experienced age of 93. She was preceded in rest by her husband Harry P.
Howard, sister Cornelia M. McIntosh, brother William F. Penn, sister-in-law MaryAnn Penn and nephew
Thomas J. McIntosh. Her surviving family members include her daughter Catherine A. Yancsek (Russell E.
Dillard) of Manahawkin, NJ and her son James E. Yancsek Jr. (Kate McGuffin) of Clemson, SC and several
dearly-beloved friends, neighbors and her spoiled gran-puppy Jolene.
Upon graduating from New Brunswick High School, NJ, Catherine married and settled down in Central New
Jersey. After devoting many selfless years raising her two children, Catherine moved to Princeton, NJ and
re-entered the workforce, attended Rider College (now Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ), and pursued
a degree in Business Administration in the evenings. One of her most noteworthy challenges and greatest
joys was fulfilling her role as Administrative Assistant and Editor for Dr. William Bowen, 17th President of
Princeton University in the 1970's. She was later promoted as a Human Resources Director and
Recruitment Consultant for the Princeton University Plasma Physics Laboratory. Her recruitment
responsibilities took her across the United States to many Ivy League Universities on a quest to recruit only
the most qualified candidates to fill some of the most desirable positions in the Princeton, NJ area. After
retiring from Princeton University in the 1980's, Catherine and Harry moved to Barnegat Light, NJ where
they both became enthusiastic volunteers and active participants in the Town Council and members of the
Old Barney Amateur Radio Club. In her spare time, she owned and operated "The Dockside Gallery" which
featured the original works of many local artists (including herself!). "CJ Designs" was Catherine's jewelry
designing business where her own art (featuring semi-precious stones) would be displayed and sold at
shows locally and throughout New Jersey. After Harry's passing in 2011, Catherine moved to the lovely
seaside development of Sea Oaks in Little Egg Harbor, NJ. While still in robust health, she was able to enjoy
her beautiful new community, caring neighbors, chat about Clemson football with her special buddy (you
know who you are) and even participate in an occasional game of billiards with her gal pals. Catherine had
only the warmest feelings and respect for ALL the wonderful neighbors who made her feel that she
belonged (BB1...and you know who you are) and who made her last years SO meaningful. Her "spunky"
nature will be missed.
A small and intimate Catholic blessing by Father Bob from The Parish of St. Isadore the Farmer in Jobstown,
NJ and interment with Harry at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery Chapel in
Wrightstown, NJ has been planned for the family based on Catherine's wishes.
Catherine's family is requesting those who wish to express sympathy, consider making a donation in her
name to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, St. Jude’s, your local animal shelter or any charity of your choice.
She would have considered that gesture "icing on the cake".
With warmest love and affection,
Cathy, Russell, Jimmy and Kate
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