25 Apr Bernadette T. Howard
Bernadette T. Howard (everyone called her Bunny) age 96, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2025, at the Ridge Senior Living Facility in Holladay, Utah. She was the heart and home of our family and will be dearly missed for her kind and gentle spirit.
She was born on May 23, 1928, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, to Mother Rose (Weller) Hinnenkamp and Frank Hinnenkamp. Her family stayed in St. Cloud where she attended St. Mary’s Grade School and Cathedral High School. Upon graduation from high school, she attended St. Cloud School of Nursing and graduated as a RN in January 1950. During that time, she met her soulmate, Donald Howard, and they were married in Honolulu, Hawaii on September 5, 1950. They were married for 62 happy years until Don passed away in 2012.
Don’s military service with the Air Force and later a job with the National Weather Service gave them the opportunity to travel and live in many places including Honolulu, Hawaii, Koror in the Western Caroline Islands, Lander, Wyoming, Denver, Colorado and finally Salt Lake City, Utah in1965 where they stayed and raised their six children. Bunny continued her nursing career through 1953 and then took a break to care for their growing family. In 1978 she went back to work at Holy Cross Hospital in Salt Lake City and worked until 1982.
Family get-togethers for holidays or any occasion delighted her. She was happiest when she had a house full of family and friends. She was a great cook and would bake the most amazing cakes, cookies, and pies. Her favorite were chocolate chip cookies (or anything else with chocolate).
Don and Bunny loved to travel and enjoyed visiting family in Minnesota and friends across the country. When the kids were young, they liked to go camping and explore the nearby National Parks.
Bunny was funny, full of life and incredibly good at puzzles and games. She did the word Jumble in the newspaper every day and usually had a jigsaw puzzle spread out on the table. She loved playing cards and games with her children and grandchildren during their visits. She also enjoyed playing bridge and bowling with her friends. We will always cherish those memories.
Bunny is preceded in death by her loving Husband, Donald Howard, and son Jimmy Howard. She is survived by her children, Joel Howard (Linda), Julie Johnson (Eric), Jerilyn Midthun (John), Jeff Howard (Kathleen), Jean Jacobson (Quinn), nine grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
You are invited to attend a Mass that will be held for Bunny at 10:30 am on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at St. Vincent Catholic Church located at 1375 E. Spring Lane, Holladay, UT 84117. Following there will be a graveside service at 1:00 pm at Camp Williams Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park to honor Bunny, her husband Donald and son Jimmy located at 17111 S. Camp Williams Rd, Bluffdale, Utah 84065. In lieu of flowers, may we suggest that you visit an elderly neighbor or facility to enjoy their stories. It will brighten their day and yours.
Mark Schwirtz
Posted at 08:36h, 03 MayAunt Bunny was my godmother. As a kid I always enjoyed the presents and cards she would send on my birthday. During visits to St. Cloud or St. Paul she would ask me how I was doing and give me a little extra attention which was very nice. My mom talked to her often and loved when they could get together.. Rest in peace Bunny and prayers to the Howard family.
Mark Schwirtz
Posted at 08:52h, 03 MayAunt Bunny was my godmother. She was a kind and thoughtful person. As a kid, I enjoyed getting birthday cards and presents from her. During visits to St. Cloud or St. Paul she would ask how I was doing doing and give me some extra attention. My mom talked to her often and loved when they could get togther. Rest in peace Aunt Bunny and prayers to the Howard family.