Elizabeth Michelle Howard, 37, of Greenfield WI, found peace with
her family by her side on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at Sharon S. Richardson
Community Hospice after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
Elizabeth
was born on September 19, 1980, in Sheboygan WI to Robert and Linda (Otto)
Koene; Being the oldest of three girls made her a very nurturing person. She
was a kind hearted, beautiful soul who was loved by all.
Elizabeth
was a 1999 graduate of Sheboygan Falls High School. In 2003 she graduated Cum
Laude from Marian College in Fond Du Lac with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in
Psychology. She went on to earnher Master’s Degree in
Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Rehabilitation Counseling from UW-
Milwaukee in 2006
.
In August 2007, she married Joseph B. Howard.
Elizabeth accomplished so much in her life. She worked for Milwaukee Center for
Independence as Manager of Employment Services for 12 years. Her career was not
just a job, it was her passion. Her exceptional counseling skills allowed her
to help her clients learn how to overcome disability-related barriers so that
they may engage in employment, increase their level of independence and create
a life with purpose. She left an unforgettable mark and improved the lives of
the hundreds of individuals she so humbly served.
She
carried that same selflessness into her personal life. You could always count
on her for an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on, or arms for a warm embrace.
Despite what was going on in her life, she was always concerned for those
around her. Elizabeth enjoyed crocheting, craft projects, singing, traveling
and exploring new places, and live music in the park with friends. She loved
spending time with her family and playing with her nieces and nephews. Visits
from ‘Auntie Lissa’ were always the highlight of the weekend. Her special
sister time will never be forgotten and on any given Sunday you could find her
going on a ‘coffee walk’ with her mom and sisters.
Although
athletics were not her strong suit, Elizabeth decided to join Team Phoenix in
2016; a program that brings breast cancer survivors of all stages, ages and
fitness levels together for a sprint distance triathlon. She worked daily for
14 weeks to improve her physical fitness, endurance, strength and flexibility.
She not only successfully completed the triathlon, she gained a second family
of beautiful fellow survivors who trained with her and encouraged her every
step of the way.
While
cancer burdened her life for 11 years, she never let it keep her down or define
the person she was. She accepted every challenge with the utmost
amount of strength, courage and perseverance. Her family would like to extend
their sincerest gratitude to the all the amazing doctors, nurses and staff at
Aurora Medical Center; with special recognition to Dr. John Scott Maul. Without
their continued support and careshe would not have had the
opportunity to make so many lasting memories that will be forever cherished.
Elizabeth
is survived by her loving parents, Robert and Linda Koene; two sisters, Sarah
(Kelly) Larson, and Becca (Justin) Thimmig; four nieces and nephews, Myles
and Daphne Larson, and Mallory and Parker Thimmig; two grandmothers,
Barbara Otto, and Dorathea Koene; Goddaughters, Danika Carroll and Justine
Otto; aunts and uncles, Ken (Marilou) Otto, David Koene, Mary (Jeff) Parent,
Kristine (Tom) Vieth, John Koene, Rosanne Bachmann, Rachele (Jim) DePagter,
Laura Koene, Terese (Mike) Carroll and Paul Koene; best friends, Cassy (Jeff)
Hines, Melissa (Josh) Brich, and Joe Howard. She is further survived by
cousins, other relatives and many dear friends.
Elizabeth
was preceded in death by her two grandfathers, Arvid Otto and Robert Koene Sr.;
and one uncle, Jeff Bachmann.
A
memorial service to celebrate Elizabeth's life will be held on Sunday, April
29, 2018, at 3:30 p.m. at the Wenig Funeral Home in Sheboygan Falls with Rev.
Toby Thomack officiating.
Relatives
and friends may greet the family at the funeral home on Sunday, April 29, 2018
from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 3:30 p.m.
In
lieu of flowers a memorial fund to Team Phoenix is being established in her
memory.
For
online condolences and additional information, please visit
www.wenigfh.com
.
The Wenig Funeral Home of
Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is serving the Koene family with arrangements.
