Obituary of Karin Peterson Howland

Karin Peterson Howland of Elmira NY passed away Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the age of 82.  Karin was born in Elmira, daughter of the late A. Adolf and Evelyn J. Peterson.  Karin was also predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Reeve B. Howland, her brother, John A. Peterson, her sister-in-law, Chistine K. Peterson, and Reeve’s parents, R. Scott and Louisa B. Howland.  Karin is survived by her son, R. Scott Howland, II, with wife Jennifer B. Howland and granddaughter Ella L. Howland of Steamboat Springs, Colorado and son Peter G. Howland with wife Peggy Moore Howland and grandsons Timothy S. Howland, Benjamin P. Howland and Christopher M. Howland of Carlisle, Pennsylvania.  Karin is also survived by her brother, Eric A. Peterson, her sister-in-law Nancy H. Peterson, a niece and nephews and numerous loving cousins and friends.  A 1959 graduate of Elmira Free Academy, Karin was involved in many activities as a youth, had a close group of friends and fondly remembered a great childhood growing up on West Third Street in Elmira. She studied elementary education at Elmira College, graduating in 1963, and began her teaching career at George Washington Elementary.  Following her marriage to Reeve, Karin took time off from teaching to raise two boys and manage a busy household, and while doing so, earned her Master's in Reading from Elmira College in 1979.  Throughout the 80s and 90s, Karin was the go-to substitute teacher in the Elmira City School District for elementary reading and long-term subbing positions.  Karin was a life-long member of Bethany Lutheran Church, where she holds the honor of being the first St. Lucia for Bethany's long-running Swedish holiday festival.  Like her parents, Karin was proud of her Swedish heritage.  Karin volunteered in various capacities in the community, including as a member of the Junior League, with the Chemung County Historical Society, the Bethany Village Auxiliary, the American Red Cross, the Octagon Fair, and more recently, she always enjoyed making sandwiches for the Steele Memorial Library's "Booked for Lunch" series.  Above all else, Karin was a devoted wife, a loving daughter and daughter-in-law, and a wonderful mother and grandmother - she was the heart and soul of the household who always acted selflessly for the benefit of the family.  Karin was a generous caregiver to her parents, Reeve’s parents and Reeve at the end of their lives.  Karin's positive attitude and welcoming demeanor made her a friend to all who knew her.  Karin's interests were broad: she always kept up with current events, was a fan of whatever sports were in season, enjoyed road trips with Reeve, walking and birding, word puzzles and reading the latest best-sellers.  Rarely did Karin call it a day if there was a dirty dish in the sink or unfolded clothes in a laundry basket.  Karin counted herself fortunate to spend many summers at Keuka Lake, where afternoons on the dock with family and friends and mornings on the front porch working the daily crossword were cherished moments.  In Karin’s memory, please consider a donation to Bethany Lutheran Church, 256 S. Walnut Street, Elmira NY 14904, or Tanglewood Nature Center, 443 Coleman Ave, Elmira NY 14903 or a local charity of your choice.   

A Memorial Service celebrating Karin’s life will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church, 256 S Walnut Street, Elmira, on Monday August 12, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.