Kate Howard

Katherine Rouseau Howard, beloved daughter, sister and aunt, passed away unexpectedly June 15, 2023. Kate and her twin sister, Elizabeth Howard Selleck, were born August 26, 1981, to James and Linda (Bourne) Howard.
Growing up Kate was a bundle of energy. She and Beth enjoyed neighborhood friends, many of whom remained friends through high school and beyond. They started kindergarten at Silver Lake Elementary School when it first opened and their class was the first to graduate having completed K-6th grades. Kate loved music and art and was chosen to participate in the 5th grade All City Elementary Honors Choir. At West Junior High she continued her choral participation, performing in school concerts and vocal competitions. She and Beth were fortunate to go to France with their 8th grade French teacher and were two members of the very first TCW 9th grade girls' soccer team.
A 2000 graduate of Traverse City High School Kate was a cheerleader and continued her participation in the choral music program. Both activities filled her days and enriched her high school years. She loved having her younger sister Meg take part in cheerleading workshops for elementary students and going to Kate's choral and madrigal performances increased Meg's desire to pursue choral opportunities in her junior and senior high school years.
After graduation Kate attended Grand Valley State University for a year, then returned home to pursue other options. Through Northwestern Michigan College's University Center she earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2012 from Ferris State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Inspired by her interest in working with struggling youth and adults she completed a Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University in 2017.
These years were a combination of pride in accomplishments and struggles with addiction. She was part of Alcoholics Anonymous and had many years of positive recovery. She was a caring individual who went out of her way to not only help but encourage young men and women in their recovery. Kind, empathetic and supportive, she wanted to help others on their own healing journey. Sadly, Kate did not show herself as much compassion and understanding as she generously and freely gave to others. She fought hard to free herself but the devastating disease of addiction never let up. Family and friends tried to be supportive and available but the challenges of the last few years became more and more difficult. Eventually the struggles were too much.
Our true Kate had a wonderful passion for life. She loved and was fiercely protective of her sisters and adored her nieces and nephews. Their combined antics and laughter through the years are precious memories. Camping adventures at Jellystone Park filled several summers. Both she and Beth had fun dressing up as Yogi or BooBoo, going around the campground waving at campers. Birthdays spent there were shared with friends and enjoyed by all. Time spent at the extended family cottage on Crystal Lake meant time together swimming, boating, climbing sand dunes and devouring s'mores. She loved Alice in Wonderland, video games, peanut butter, the beach, "True Crime", dancing, Halloween, "Harry Potter", "Star Wars", "Nightmare Before Christmas" owls, painting, and of course cats. Dogs were OK, but cats were always drawn to her, as she was to them. As we adjust to this new reality of life without Kate, these memories are what we will cherish. It has been humbling and comforting to hear from so many who also loved her. We are very grateful for them all.
Kate is survived by her mother, sisters (Beth (Jason) Sellect and Meg (Matt Rosenberg, nieces Meara Sellect and Ellie Rosenberg, nephews Aedan Selleck and James Rosenberg, Uncle Jon Bourne and cousins Jody and Jon Bourne. She was preceded in death by her father, grandparents Velma and Bob Lapham and Cori and Don Bourne, Aunt Joan Bourne, Uncle Dick Howard, and nephew Jason Howard.
Please share thoughts and memories at wwwreynolds-jonkhoff.com