Kathryn Howard-Jackson

Kathryn Howard-Jackson Kathryn Howard-Jackson, passed away Wednesday, November 1, 2023. She was 78 years old. Everyone who knew Kathy would agree that that she had an amazing knowledge of sports, was never without a witty comeback and had an exceptionally keen way with words. Some would go so far as to call her "The Word Woman." Born on October 21, 1945 in Johnstown, PA, Kathy was the only child of William Howard, an avid sports fan and outdoors man, and his wife Marie Howard, a gifted homemaker as well as a trusted and valued retail manager. She graduated from Bishop McCort High School with honors and later studied at The Universities of Pittsburgh, Duquesne and London. Kathy had a long and respected teaching career within the Pittsburgh Public School system. She was on the faculty of Perry High School and then moved to Reizenstein Middle School when it opened in 1975. Kathy was responsible for the Reizenstein Spelling Bee program and a member of her team went on to win second place at the National event in Washington, DC. A former student shared that she credits Kathy for instilling a love of writing that continues to this day. Kathy's career with PPS pinnacled with becoming the Supervisor of English teachers before her retirement. Kathy was a kind and compassionate woman who took a leave of absence from her teaching career to return to Johnstown to help care for her mom in her final days. Kathy was preceded in death by her husband John Jackson. They found each other later in life but shared both a love for each other and for dogs - especially beagles. Kathy was a voracious reader. In addition to regular trips to the public library as a child, Kathy possessed a huge collection of comic books and an impressive collection of Charlie Brown and Friends paperback books. No doubt, their consumption contributed to her keen sense of humor for which she will always be remembered. Kathy possessed a love of sports all her life. She would listen to the Pittsburgh Pirates games with her dad as a young girl and remained a lifelong fan. She also cheered on the Steelers and most recently became an avid fan of English football. Kathy leaves behind many friends, former colleagues and first cousins. How does one show up in life? She was a fine person who will be missed by us all. Please share a laugh with those you love in her honor. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity in her honor.

Kathryn Howard-Jackson

October 21, 1945 - November 1, 2023