Catherine Jacqueline Ann Penn-Howard (Cathy or “CJ”) was born on June 17, 1931 to the late William C.

and Cornelia A. (Mincielli) Penn in New Brunswick, NJ. Catherine passed away peacefully on the evening

of January 23, 2025 at the experienced age of 93. She was preceded in rest by her husband Harry P.

Howard, sister Cornelia M. McIntosh, brother William F. Penn, sister-in-law MaryAnn Penn and nephew

Thomas J. McIntosh. Her surviving family members include her daughter Catherine A. Yancsek (Russell E.

Dillard) of Manahawkin, NJ and her son James E. Yancsek Jr. (Kate McGuffin) of Clemson, SC and several

dearly-beloved friends, neighbors and her spoiled gran-puppy Jolene.

Upon graduating from New Brunswick High School, NJ, Catherine married and settled down in Central New

Jersey. After devoting many selfless years raising her two children, Catherine moved to Princeton, NJ and

re-entered the workforce, attended Rider College (now Rider University in Lawrenceville, NJ), and pursued

a degree in Business Administration in the evenings. One of her most noteworthy challenges and greatest

joys was fulfilling her role as Administrative Assistant and Editor for Dr. William Bowen, 17th President of

Princeton University in the 1970’s. She was later promoted as a Human Resources Director and

Recruitment Consultant for the Princeton University Plasma Physics Laboratory. Her recruitment

responsibilities took her across the United States to many Ivy League Universities on a quest to recruit only

the most qualified candidates to fill some of the most desirable positions in the Princeton, NJ area. After

retiring from Princeton University in the 1980’s, Catherine and Harry moved to Barnegat Light, NJ where

they both became enthusiastic volunteers and active participants in the Town Council and members of the

Old Barney Amateur Radio Club. In her spare time, she owned and operated “The Dockside Gallery” which

featured the original works of many local artists (including herself!). “CJ Designs” was Catherine’s jewelry

designing business where her own art (featuring semi-precious stones) would be displayed and sold at

shows locally and throughout New Jersey. After Harry’s passing in 2011, Catherine moved to the lovely

seaside development of Sea Oaks in Little Egg Harbor, NJ. While still in robust health, she was able to enjoy

her beautiful new community, caring neighbors, chat about Clemson football with her special buddy (you

know who you are) and even participate in an occasional game of billiards with her gal pals. Catherine had

only the warmest feelings and respect for ALL the wonderful neighbors who made her feel that she

belonged (BB1...and you know who you are) and who made her last years SO meaningful. Her “spunky”

nature will be missed.

A small and intimate Catholic blessing by Father Bob from The Parish of St. Isadore the Farmer in Jobstown,

NJ and interment with Harry at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Memorial Cemetery Chapel in

Wrightstown, NJ has been planned for the family based on Catherine’s wishes.

Catherine’s family is requesting those who wish to express sympathy, consider making a donation in her

name to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, St. Jude, your local animal shelter or any charity of your choice.

She would have considered that gesture “icing on the cake”.

With warmest love and affection,

Cathy, Russell, Jimmy and Kate