Laura Jean Howe
Born February 9th 1962
Died March 6th 2021
After a courageous battle with a brain tumor Laura has finally went to be with all those who have passed
before her. In true Laura fashion she faced this battle head on never asking why me and not wanting any
of us to grieve for her.
She was born February 9 th 1962 at Gottlieb Hospital in Melrose Park IL with the distinction of being one
of the first born in the newly opened facility. In true Laura fashion she got to go home from the hospital
on Valentine’s Day.
She was the Daughter of Ronald Brown of Chicago and Monica Papiese of Schaumburg IL and was the
fourth of six children.
She married Robert Howe of Chicago IL in Las Vegas NV on September 22nd, 1985.
She is survived by her husband of 35 years Robert of Wood Dale IL, daughter Michelle (Mark) Nosek of
Roselle IL and son Robert (Brianna) Howe of Hiawatha IA. She leaves behind four loving grandchildren
Michael (MJ), Mark Jr. and Myles Nosek of Roselle IL and Florence Howe of Hiawatha IA. She was also known as Grandma Laura to all the kids in her extended family. Also surviving are her mother Monica Papiese of Schaumburg IL along with five siblings, Susan (Jon) Matuszak of Chicago IL, Robert Brown of Zion IL, Daniel Brown of Seminole FL, Mary Holub of Schaumburg IL and
Ronald (Ronnie) Brown of Seminole FL. Her sister in law Marilyn (Jim Sauers) of Bloomington IL and
many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was proceeded in death by her father Ronald Brown of Chicago, step father Carl Papiese of Schaumburg IL ,in laws Robert & Florence Howe of Streator IL, her brother in law Jim Sauers of
Bloomington IL, along with many grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Laura was loved by all that knew her and was well known for her acts of kindness throughout her life.
Her home was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay or just a roof over their head for a
day, month or even a year or two.
She was a former accounting office worker at Vienna Beef in Chicago IL, waitress at Gabby's in Wood
Dale IL and was also a lunch lady at Oakbrook School in Wood Dale IL where she most likely paid more
out of her pockets for kids who needed lunch than she earned. She spent many years as a fixture at the
baseball fields in Wood Dale and could usually be found in the concession stand or just sitting in a chair
watching the kids play ball. But by far her greatest accomplishments were her children and
grandchildren along with her special nephew or other son Michael (Ana) Roberts of Coolidge, AZ.
Laura liked to spend time at any casino within driving distance and could be the life of any party.
She had the ability to listen to a few notes from some obscure song and name that tune. She was also known to seriously dislike brake lights and bridges which may have been the only two things she truly hated.
Laura’s family would like to thank the countless number of family and friends who helped with care,
meals, reached out to comfort us and just general support during this trying time. The assistance and
visitors we received showed how much Laura was loved by so many people.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity or do a random act of kindness for
someone who needs it. The family also will accept donations as well to provide for her grandchildren’s
futures.
Please always remember:
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die”
Thomas Campbell
“That we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part
of us”
Helen Keller
“If there ever comes a day where we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I will stay there forever”
Winnie the pooh
“No more pain, no more suffering”
Unknown
A memorial will be held March 20th from 1-3 with a brief service starting at 3PM. Please note masks are required.
Mission Church
82 Stratford Dr.
Bloomingdale IL 60108
Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, Illinois.