Jane Claire “Bumpa” Howard, age 64, of Wascott, Wisconsin passed away in the early morning hours of July 26, 2026 at Essentia Hospital, as she was afflicted with liver cancer. Her diagnosis and death came quickly, her struggle was limited, and she was surrounded by her family.

Jane was born in Superior, Wisconsin on May 28, 1962, at Superior Memorial Hospital, to Mary Ellen (Sinclear) and John Robert Howard. As a youngster, Jane lived in Central Park and attended Lincoln Elementary, East Junior High, and Superior Senior High School. After her formal years, Jane worked at multiple different jobs that all seemed to be aligned with helping others.

Jane’s current network of friends show that she remained in contact with many from her neighborhood, cabin life, schools, and workplaces. All of Jane’s relationships reflect Jane’s connection and her love to all those around her. In addition, Jane always had a dog that she loved, adored, coddled, and spoiled; Kizzy, Buckshot, Skipper, Bandit, BoBo, and her dog she left behind, Gracie May.

As we all know, Jane had multiple struggles with her physical and mental health. Over the years, she became less able to “get out” and be social. Her friendships with her social media groups became more important, her pets soothed and added love, and most of all the bond between her and Jane’s Life Partner of 32 years - Richard “Ricky” O'Connell - became more robust. The support that Jane had from her friends and Ricky made each day easier as she approached her life challenges and her need to be with others.

Jane is survived by her life partner, Richard “Ricky” O’Connell; her brother and sister-in-law, Mark Howard and Susan Hulter-Howard; two nieces, Elizabeth (Logan) Howard/Armstrong, and Margaret (Kelsey) Howard; step-mother Joanne Howard; step-sister Beth (Ken) Kell, and sister-in-law, Sandy O’Connell. She was preceded in death by her parents Mary Ellen and John Robert Howard; grandparents Margaret and Lawrence Sinclear; her sister Laurie Howard; and brother-in-law Charlie Slind.

A celebration of her life with family and friends will be held on Friday, July 31st at the Howard Family Cabin. Condolence and/or memorial can be sent to the Howard/O’Connell Family in care of Downs Center - 1902 N 34th Street, Superior, WI 54880.