Remembering Joan Howard

I miss Joan. Our talks and our lunches. The blabbering over her dog Babe, all of her cow collectibles, and her stories about being on the farm and in the garden. This note is for her, along with reflections in this month’s Extension Connection magazine from others who will miss her as much as I do. If you knew Joan, I hope these notes bring you some comfort. And for everyone, please remember to tell the folks who are important to you that you love them, maybe over a pint of local beer or a glass of milk. That’s how Joan would like it.

My very best, My very best,

Colleen Monaghan Executive Director, cm638@cornell.edu

Remembering Joan Howard...

“Joan hired me to work in what was then the Employment and Training office. She was a tough boss who challenged you to always be better. She became my most trusted mentor and my friend. Her passion and drive to make the world a better place for those who struggle inspires me still. Rest easy, my friend.”

-Laura Quigley

“She was an extroverted individual who had no problems with helping and providing knowledge regardless of county. Funny, outspoken, but friendly. Fun to be with socially.”

- Wanda Cruz, CCE Staff

“It was Joan’s clear, direct way of talking that I remember most. And her ability to dig into the job at hand and focus on the task. She worked to promote agriculture in Sullivan County and advocated for small farmers. A passionate woman, who also had a great sense of humor.” -Sonja Hedlund

“Joan, a fiesty Redhead, that worked to engage and interest others in Extension. Joan was, as she might have said, “a good egg”. I’m sorry to learn of her passing, she was a pretty private person and will be missed by many! Her humor was great and she used it to keep others engaged while keeping Extension in the forefront. Members and non-members of Extension will miss Joan. I’m grateful to have known Joan.” -Kitty Vetter

“All of Joan’s outfits were perfectly matching with accessories- most of them purple or Cornell red. I have cherished memories of our fund development work together, especially our 100 Anniversary Gala. Bumping into one another at the grocery store was where the real brainstorming happened. I remember when she had her own desk at the office because she was so active during our Centennial Campaign. She was a force to be reckoned with. Cheers to Joan. -Nicole Slevin, CCE Staff

“I have fond memories of bringing my boys to Joan’s pick-your-own pumpkin patch on Aden Rd. My youngest’s name is Aden so we used to say she grew them just for him. We took a million pictures and her little dog was sure to photobomb the pictures. But more than anything, I just remember feeling supported by Joan at all times. When I first started working for CCE Sullivan she took me to have lunch with Carol Chichester from the Orange County Youth Bureau. I felt like I was having lunch with two of the strongest, most knowledgeable and giving women on earth. Joan continued to introduce me to all the key partners and stakeholders I needed to know to get started in my work in Family & Youth Development and when I had my own family struggles she didn’t judge but rather continued to be supportive and connect me to the help I needed at that time. I’ll never forget Joan and aspire to be like her every day.” - Amanda Langseder

“Joan was a friend and professional colleague. She’s one of the most knowledgeable women I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. Joan was sincere, funny, and quite talkative! From politics to pumpkins, Joan did her homework before commenting. Sullivan County owes much to her for the dedication and leadership given in everything she chose to work on. She will be missed.” -Carol Chichester, former Executive Director, Orange

County Youth Bureau

“Joan was tenacious, hardworking, and passionate about the mission of Cornell Cooperative Extension. She was a visionary, often looking beyond the daily challenges and seeing the bigger picture; she was an optimist, although at times it didn’t seem like it. She was real, spoke the truth, called people out when it wasn’t the easy route. Joan cared about the entire community, she carried within her a responsibility for the greater good. Helping to make this world a better place. She had tangible ideals – was practical and wanted to see action not change on paper. She strived to have CCE vibrantly impact all residents of Sullivan County today, not someday down the road. Joan had the confidence that when somebody said ‘no’, she would ask ‘why?’ and say ‘what do you mean no?, you can’t say no’. She would question things she felt strongly about, yet was understanding. You always felt like she had your back. She was ‘old-school’. Joan had a great sense of humor - it was comforting to be in her presence. Joan was one of those rare people in life that once you get to know them you will never forget them. On behalf of the CCE family, we thank her for her many years of service, dedication, and passion. She will be dearly missed by all of us.” -Greg Sandor & Family