Norma Elizabeth Self Howe

January 29, 1917 – November 18, 2011

After many years of a life well lived, Norma moved on. Norma died quietly at home with her daughter, Carolyn Howe and close friends at her side. Norma was born in Licking, Missouri and came to California with her parents, George and Bessie Self, and her brother, Wayne, when she was a young child. The family settled in Taft, where they lived until Norma was in her teens. At that time, they moved to Santa Barbara. Her family all preceded her in death.

Norma married Walter Howe in 1937 and they lived happily and with a very special bond that lasted over 72 years when Walter passed away in March 2010. They resided in the family home for more than 50 years. Besides their daughter Carolyn, Norma is survived by her granddaughter, Bridget Johnson, her sons Asher and Adam Johnson, grandson Robin Howe McIlrath, and his daughter Aria Howe.

She leaves us with many memories of good kitchen smells, nurturing and nourishing meals, always prepared with love. She leaves memories of BBQs, yard work, flowers, ohmygosh a clean house, her methodical and mystical aspects blending into a home filled with friends for Spiritual Seminars. Norma was an ordained minister in the Church of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness and was active in the teachings until she died. She is missed and loved by many people. Norma’s primary manner for nurturing and nourishing was from her heart – open, Spirited, warm and welcoming, and always something funny to say!

There will be a Memorial for Norma on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 1 PM at Unity Church, 227 E. Arrellaga Street, Santa Barbara. Friends are all invited to celebrate the life of this great woman who gifted us with heartfelt love. We are thankful for the care of Jerome T. Kay, M.D., Visiting Nurse Hospice, Dottie Wells and all who assisted in her care. As Norma would say, “Be Happy Today, OK?”