I met Juliana through Cultural Bridges when she became a volunteer in St. Joseph. I soon found out how talented she was and she began writing articles in The Newsleader about our outreach to our Somali Community. She was a bright star who added enthusiasm to our group. I will miss her smile and graciousness.
Juliana Howard
November 13, 1936 – February 9, 2025
Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Juliana Howard will be held at 10:30 a.m. on March 24, 2025, at Sacred Heart Chapel at the Benedictine Monastery in St. Joseph, MN. Juliana passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at St. Cloud Hospital. Fr. Daniel Ward, OSB, will officiate. Burial will take place at St. John’s Abbey Cemetery in Collegeville, MN.
Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 24th at the Sacred Heart Chapel.
Juliana was born in Dickinson, ND, on November 13, 1936, to the late Art and Olive Hagenston. She began her studies at Carleton College and transferred to the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1957. On June 21, 1958, she married Jerald (Jerry) L. Howard in Glendive, Montana. Together, they built a family and made their home in St. Cloud, MN.
Juliana is survived by her husband Jerry of St. Joseph, MN, her five children: Stephen (Wendy) of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Robert (Amy) of Bloomington, MN, Thomas (Libia) of Chicago, IL, Annie Heymans (Tim) of St. Joseph, MN, and David (Nikki) of Durham, NC; ten beloved grandchildren: Mariana, Kathryn, Sophia, Mia, Lauren, Rene, Chloe, Helena, Martin, and Matthew; and seven great-grandchildren: Emelina, Ana, Ainhoa, Caroline, Vida, Arantxa and Jacob. She is also fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her siblings Arthur, Bob, and Mary Lou, as well as her in-laws Marian, Ron, Mary Pat, and Ruth Ann.
Juliana found joy in morning prayer, playing tennis and golf, reading spiritual books, kayaking, cross country skiing, word games, spending time at the family cabin at Voyager Village, WI, walking in the woods, swimming in the lake, nurturing friendships, singing with the Sisters of the Saint Benedict Monastery, working for justice with the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, and writing poetry and music.
Juliana had a talent for composing music and lyrics— leading her to create songs filled with both wisdom and childlike playfulness. She founded The Crayons, a locally popular children’s singing and performing group that produced albums, songbooks, and videos.
For the past two decades, Juliana channeled her creative spirit into the daily practice of writing haiku poems, capturing life’s beauty with elegant precision.
Guestbook
It was such a blessing to meet you when we joined Benedictines for Peace. I had used some of your music when teaching in ND, and then to hear us both enjoyed haikus.
R.I.P.
Dear, Beautiful Queen,
With mind, body, soul, spirit,
Where do you live now?
With words you painted
The world with grace, beauty, love,
Blest moments to seel!
Juliana was a light in the darkness.
I met her at a yoga class at a nearby Church in Spooner, Wisconsin.
She was such a joy & so knowledgeable on many topics. She inspired me & gave me a children’s book she had written.
Most impressive!
Although I only knew Juliana a short time , as she moved away. We e-mailed for awhile as she settled into her “new normal”.
She remains in my heart & prayers!
Lovingly, Kelly
Her vulnerability and authenticity encouraged me greatly. She also taught me about how to live. I will miss her haiku and singing, with a few words she expressed incredible depth. I will miss her dearly.
Juliana was a remarkable person, a talented writer and composer, a true saint, and a joy to have as a cousin. The world is a much better place because she was here.
Julianna was such a blessing to all of us in the Chapel with her spontaneous and timely haiku, her psalm antiphons, and her children’s songs. Her delightful sharing and her deep spiritual awareness will be greatly missed.
Juliana has been a close and loved friend and oblate in our monastic community. She is a great loss, and our deepest sympathy is with her family. Our sisters are praying for Juliana and for all who grieve for her. May she rest in peace.
Sister Karen Rose and Sisters of Saint Benedict’s Monastery
Julie – many fond memories in the many years at Voyager Village. Golf course, bonfires, all the friendships with your kids and the circle of friends, and of course the snipe hunts 🙂 God bless you and Jerry! JP
My heartfelt sympathies to the Howard Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Services
Schedule Details
Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Juliana Howard will be held at 10:30 a.m. on March 24, 2025, at Sacred Heart Chapel at the Benedictine Monastery in St. Joseph, MN. Fr. Daniel Ward, OSB, will officiate. Burial will take place at St. John’s Abbey Cemetery in Collegeville, MN.
Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 24th at the Sacred Heart Chapel.