Mrs. Jean E. Howard, 83, of N. Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 6, 2018 at Faxton-St. Luke’s healthcare in New Hartford. Jean was born in Macomb, NY, on October 19, 1935, the daughter of Leo and Edna (Gardner) Rastley. She was raised and educated in Macomb and Gouverneur, NY, was a graduate of Gouverneur High School and earned her Associates degree from Canton ATI in Canton, NY. On October 10, 1957, Jean was united in marriage with Ernest M. Howard at St. Patrick’s Church in Utica, a devoted union of 51 years until Ernest’s death in 2008. For 35 years until her retirement, Jean was employed as a dietitian with the Utica Psychiatric Center. She was an avid bowler and an active participant in the Foxy Ladies bowling League, was a big NY Mets fan and truly enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s many sporting events. She was a parishioner of St. Peter’s Church in N. Utica. Mrs. Howard is survived by one daughter, Lorijean Cifonelli and her partner, Michael More of Washington Mills; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Timothy and Diana Howard of Utica and Robert Howard of Utica; eight cherished grandchildren, Zanthan Howard, David Howard, Barbara-Jean Howard, Kelly Howard and Duffy Baerman, Timothy Howard, Jr., Rory Cifonelli, Gabriel Cifonelli and Allie Cifonelli; four adored great grandchildren, Michael, Lucas, Adam and Aislyn; one sister, Viola Van Ornum; three brothers and two sisters-in-law, David and Shirley Rastley, Leo and Lona Rastley and George Rastley; her former son-in-law, Al Cifonelli, as well as several nieces, nephews and in-laws. Besides her husband, Ernest, Jean was also predeceased by her son Lawrence Howard, sister, Eleanor Simmons and brothers, John Rastley and Donald Rastley. Mrs. Howard’s funeral will be held on Friday, November 9, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. at the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., N. Utica. Her interment will be held on Saturday, November 10th at 12:00 noon in St. Margaret’s Cemetery in Macomb, NY. Calling hours for family and friends are Friday from 4:00-6:00 p.m. prior to the funeral service. Those wishing to make a donation in Jean’s memory, please consider the Children’s Miracle Network. Envelope’s will be available at the funeral home.