Mary Jo Howell

On Saturday, May 25, 2024, our Lord and Savior called Mary Jo Howell to be with Him. Born in Chicago, Illinois on November 30, 1955, Mary Jo often spoke of her two lives: the first in Chicago, riding on the back of a motorcycle across the country, and the second beginning in 1991 when she moved to Houston. There, she worked for the Houston Chronicle and met the love of her life, Randy Howell.

Her adventures took her to many different places and brought her many lifelong friends. She and Randy married in 1996, and in 1998, their only child, Miranda, joined their family.

Mary Jo began her career at the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper. After moving to Texas in 1991, she joined the Houston Chronicle. She and Randy later worked for Southwestern Bell for a time. Eventually, she transitioned to working in tax preparation and, until her passing, was employed at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church.

Mary Jo was a member of the Catholic Daughters for 20 years and a parishioner at St. Hyacinth for 30 years.

Mary Jo was truly one of a kind. She never met someone she couldn’t talk to. People turned to her for advice or just a shoulder to cry on. Strangers gravitated toward her and instantly felt a connection. She embodied comfort. Mary Jo had unwavering faith and trusted in God through every obstacle, serving as an inspiring woman of God.

Her passing has left a void in the hearts of all her loved ones that can never be filled.

Mary Jo is preceded in death by her husband, Randy Howell; her father, Joe, and mother, Mary Cosentino; and her in-laws, Arthur and Flora Howell. She is survived by her daughter, Miranda Howell, and many cousins and friends who are like family.

A Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 31, 2024, at St. Hyacinth Catholic Church, with Father Reginald Samuels officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday, May 30, with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 PM at Deer Park Funeral Directors.

Though our hearts ache as we miss her terribly, we find comfort in knowing that she is no longer in pain and is finally reunited with her loving husband. Rest in peace, Mary Jo. We love you.

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