Barbara "Barb" Bender Howe died peacefully at Life Care Center of Altamonte Springs, Florida on May 2, 2019 at the age of 84.

Barbara is survived by her sister, Judith Conrad; son, Richard Howe; granddaughters Samantha Howe, Bayleigh Howe and Alyssandra Howe-Hutson; and great-grandson Jaxson Howe; as well as many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her son Robert Howe; and sister Jacqueline Haley.

Barbara was born on December 12, 1934 in New Castle, Pennsylvania to her parents Charles and Bernice Bender. She graduated from Miami University of Oxford, Ohio in 1956 with a degree in elementary education. Upon graduating, Barbara went on to get married and have her two sons, Robert Howe and Richard Howe. Many years later, she went to receive her masters degree in education at the University of Central Florida. She was very involved in not only her children's lives, but her granddaughters and great-grandson's lives as well. Barbara's family meant the world to her and she was always attending school events, sporting games, or taking her grandchildren to explore new things together.

Barbara was devoted to helping people and did so in every aspect of her life as she was actively involved in her church, Maitland Presbyterian serving as a deacon and volunteering anywhere needed, from cooking a meal or helping set up for an event. She was such an incredibly generous woman. Not only did she take care of her own family and serve in her church, she also volunteered at the Hospice of the Comforter for numerous years where she gave countless hours of her time serving those who needed it the most. Anyone who has crossed paths with Barbara knew just how incredible and undeniable her love for helping others was.


A funeral is scheduled for May 18, 2019 at 1pm at Maitland Presbyterian Church, with a gathering to follow there as well. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Barbara's life. The family asks that any contributions in her name, are made to the Hospice of the Comforter.