Obituary of Carol Odell Howard

Carol Anne Odell Howard

Beloved wife, sister, aunt, and great-aunt, Carol Anne Odell Howard, 87, resident of Lakewood, New Jersey, formerly of Brick and Chatham, passed away on January 24, 2024. Born in Newark, New Jersey to Helen and William Odell on January 4, 1937, Carol grew up in Springfield, New Jersey. She attended Saint Rose of Lima Grammar School and Oak Knoll School, and she graduated from St. Elizabeth Academy in 1954.

Carol graduated from the College of St. Elizabeth in 1958, where she received her degree in education. She dedicated her career to supporting children with learning disabilities. She worked as a learning disabilities teacher-consultant and, upon her retirement, was recognized and honored by the School Board of East Hanover Township for 34 years of service to students, parents, and the broader community.

Carol married the love of her life, John N. Howard, on April 14, 1973. They spent 36 beautiful years together, most of it on the Jersey shore, before John passed away in 2009. Carol and John were bound together by many shared interests and passions. They were long-time members of the Shore Acres Yacht Club in Brielle, New Jersey. Carol delighted in the camaraderie there. She and John enjoyed many trips together on their boat off the Atlantic Coast. An avid photographer, Carol also belonged to a local camera club along with John where she developed a talent and affinity for photography. She loved to capture and share the seascapes and nature of the Jersey shore, and to chronicle various milestones in her family’s life, including baptisms, graduations, weddings, and special trips.

Carol loved to travel. She and John enjoyed time in Florida, visiting his children and grandchildren. Carol often gathered the family together to celebrate her husband’s summer birthday. In 2000, they ventured to Europe on a three-week trip with John’s son John and his daughter-in-law Susan, traveling by overstuffed rental car all over England, Ireland, and Scotland. It was dubbed “The M&M Tour” based on the frequently purchased snack at every stop to fill up with gas. In 2007, they took a memorable trip with John’s daughter Cheri and her husband Dan to San Francisco, a stretch along the Pacific Coast Highway, and Oahu, Hawaii for a couple of weeks. The outings at these diverse places gave Carol lots of opportunities to snap many family memories. Over the years, Carol, along with her husband, also delighted in attending the weddings of John’s grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. After her husband’s passing, Carol joined John and Cheri with their spouses on a memorable trip to Italy. 
 

Carol spent many years as a Eucharistic Minister at Visitation Church in Lakewood, New Jersey.

On the Odell side of her family, Carol will be remembered and missed by her three siblings and their spouses, William (Arlene) Odell, Sharon (Dick) Riva, and Jack (Barbara) Odell, her 12 nieces and nephews, 22 great-nieces and nephews, and one great-great niece. On the Howard side of her family, she will be remembered and missed by John D. (Susan) Howard and their two children and by Cheri (Daniel) Maloney and their six children and six grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at St. Rose of Lima Church, 50 Short Hills Avenue in Short Hills, New Jersey on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 10:00am-11:00am. A funeral mass will be held at St. Rose of Lima Church on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 11:15am. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Carol’s name to Saint Elizabeth University. Donations can be made online at www.steu.edu/advancement/donate-now or mailed to Saint Elizabeth University, 2 Convent Road, Morristown, New Jersey, 07960-6989.

For more information or to send condolences, please visit jacobhollefuneralhome.com.