Donna J. Howard

Donna J. Howard, 57, of Fishers, IN passed into eternal peace, surrounded by her closest loved ones on August 14, 2009. She was born on February 2, 1952 in Indianapolis to James and Charlesetta Cartwright. Donna received her Masters degree from Ball State University. She had worked for the Federal Government until retiring in 2004. Donna was loved by many in the church, her family, at work and in the community. She lived a full life with many enjoyable moments doing what she loved best which included time with family, travel with her husband and close friends to the Caribbean, her dogs, Beau and Buddy, being Nana to her grandchildren, visiting with friends and co-workers, shopping, decorating and simply enjoying her home and entertaining. In December of 2006, Donna was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a year and a half of chemo and radiation treatments. The treatments were successful and she resumed a normal life enjoying the things she loved most. In May 2009 she found the cancer had returned and was more aggressive even after treatment. In 2007, Donna began preparing her family by sending this email: ?I need to let you guys know that the 2nd chemo treatme...[more]

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was twice as bad as the first. I?m just now regaining some of my energy. The next is scheduled for March 2nd. I?m hoping it won?t be three times as bad-but you never know. I tell you this because I?m realizing more and more that this is going to be a very long and difficult journey. Sometimes I feel this is the beginning of the end. I know we?re all hoping for healing but I want you to prepare yourselves for the possibility that this may not be my fate. In the event is not, I want you to carry out my wishes. I only ask that you don?t let me be forgotten by my grandchildren and remember I love you all very much. My advice to you is to live life like everyday is your last. Then you will have no regrets. I know this all sounds self indulgent, but cancer makes you look life and death straight on. Love, Mom?. Donna was preceded in death by her brother, JB Cartwright. Survivors include her parents, James and Charlesetta Boyd Cartwright; aunt, Ruby Cartwright; husband, Kevin Howard; children, Rich (Brandy) Simons, Nikki (William) Woodson and Kyle Howard; grandchildren, Corey Howard (13), Quinten Howard (9), Christian Woodson (4), Christina Woodson (2) and Victoria Simon (10 months). A Celebration of Life Reception, in Loving Memory of Donna, will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2009 from 12:00 until 2:00 p.m.in the Indianapolis Art Center (Outdoor Garden & Atrium), 820 E. 67th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46220. Please visit www.leppertmortuary.com where you may share a memory or the family encourages that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to the Susan B. Komen Foundation at www.komen.org/donate in her honor. The fund name is ?In Loving Memory of Donna J. Howard?. Donna?s remains will be spread in the Caribbean Ocean off the Bahamas by the family in early November per her wishes. Arrangements entrusted to Leppert Mortuary, Smith Carmel Chapel.