Jane Speer Howland died suddenly and unexpectedly on February 25, 2006 during a brief hospitalization. Jane leaves to cherish her memory three sons, David (Paula) of Coral Gables, Florida, Gregory (Brenda) of Louisville, Kentucky and Christopher (Amy) of Tampa, Florida. She is survived by four grandchildren, Jonathan and Nicholas Howland, Coral Gables, Florida and Lauren and Matthew Howland, Tampa, Florida, whom she completely adored and to whom she dovoted a great deal of her time. She is also survived by her sister, Marjorie (Speer) Richman, of Sherman Oaks, California; and her best firiend, Mary Gambrell, of Tampa, Florida. She was preceded in death by her son Jimmy Howland (1945); three brothers, Robert, David and Richard Speer; and her sister, Mary (Speer) Marshall. She was born in Minneapolis, MN on February 7, 1917, the second of six children of the late Ray and Grace Speer. Following graduation from high school, she married Paul Howland. In 1950, they moved to Florida and first settled in Jacksonville Beach.Later they moved to Orlando and then settled in Tampa in 1957, where she remained until her death. After raising three sons into adolescence, she returned to the workplace where she became assistant to the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Russell Cooper, PhD, at the University of South Florida for whom Cooper Hall is named. During this time she attended college at USF and completed her education obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in Independent Studies in 1972, one of the first two students to obtain this degree. In 1978 she retired from USF and entered into a new life which was both long and satisfying, and which included trips to Europe with her beloved friends, Mary Gambrell and Lorraine Nottoli, and extended visits with her children and grandchildren. Throughout her life whe used her most inquisitive mind to better herself. She was a voracious reader and maintained an intellectual curiosity throughout her life. She was a master seamstress. She was a source of constant inspiration for all who knew her, especially her children. She demonstrated kindness and compassion to all, particularly to those in need. She was in all respects a great lady, and will be sorely missed by her sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and especially her dear friend of more than 40 years, Mary Gambrell. Her memory will remain in the hearts and minds of all who survive her. A private memorial luncheon was held in her honor in Tampa, Florida on March 12, 2006. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution be made to one of two of Jane's favorite charities, Metropolitan Ministries (Tampa) or a local Humane Society.
MACDONALD FUNERAL HOME
Lowell J. MacDonald, Funeral Director/Owner
(813) 933-4950