Donna Jeanne Howe

Donna McCalmont Howe, 82, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 20, 2026, after spending the day surrounded by her loving family.

Donna was born on February 5, 1944, in Ashtabula, Ohio, the oldest child of Robert and Bette McCalmont. She spoke fondly of her idyllic childhood in Ashtabula, often telling stories of time spent with her friends and family.

After graduating from Ashtabula High School, Donna attended Bowling Green State University, where she majored in social work. Donna was also an honors student and a member of the Chi Omega sorority. While attending BGSU, Donna met the love of her life, Larry Howe, Jr. They were married shortly after graduation and would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in August.

As newlyweds, Larry's service in the Army brought them to Northern California. From there, Larry's career took them to the suburbs of Detroit, Baltimore, Buffalo, Syracuse, Chicago, and Toledo, where they lived for over 30 years. Regardless of where they lived, Donna provided a loving home and a wonderful upbringing for her two children, Susan and Jim. After retiring, Donna and Larry moved to the Denver area, where they enjoyed mountain views and spending time with Jim's family.

Donna spent many years of her life giving to others as a volunteer. She was highly involved at her children's schools and within the communities in which she lived. In her later years, she enjoyed ringing bells for the Salvation Army during the holidays and delivering Meals on Wheels. Donna was a devout Catholic, joyfully serving her church as a Eucharistic minister, a lector, and as an organizer of various church events.

Professionally, Donna was a successful and award-winning small-business owner. In her later years, she returned to her roots in social work, working with the elderly in nursing homes and with families as a hospice social worker.

In her free time, Donna enjoyed gardening, especially growing snapdragons and petunias; reading voraciously on her screened-in porch; painting ceramic holiday decorations; cooking for her family; and baking the most delicious and beautifully decorated sugar cookies.

Donna loved her family with her whole heart and soul. She was a devoted wife to Larry, and their marriage was filled with laughter, warmth, and affection. Donna was truly the best mother a child could have ever asked for. As a mother, she was giving, thoughtful, and always willing to lend an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on. Donna encouraged her children to see the best in others and to learn more about the world around them.

One of Donna's greatest joys in life was being a grandmother to Sarah, Jacob, Emily, Calvin, and Dylan. She loved snuggling with her grandkids, reading them bedtime stories, singing them lullabies, engaging the kids in arts and crafts, and arriving for visits with a trunk full of baked goods.

Donna is survived by her husband, Larry; daughter, Susan (David); son, Jim (Nicole); grandchildren, Sarah, Jacob, Emily, Calvin, and Dylan; sister, Meribeth (Bill) Swartz; brother-in-law, Kenny Allen; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Bette McCalmont; sister, Sandy Allen; baby brother, Robert; father-in-law, Lawrence Howe, Sr.; mother-in-law, Bonnie Howe; and sisters-in-law, Judy (Larry) Preston and Joyce (Nick) Bozich.

A Celebration of Life for Donna will be held in Toledo, Ohio on September 12, 2026, at the Farmhouse at Wildwood Preserve Metropark, beginning at 4:00 p.m. The Farmhouse is located at 4830 W. Central Ave., Toledo, Ohio 43615. All are welcome to join Donna's family in celebrating the life of such an amazing woman.