Barbara Jeanne Howard June 5, 1931 - September 21, 2024
Barbara Jeanne Howard (nee McGahan), born June 5, 1931, in Valparaiso, IN, passed away peacefully September 21, 2024 at her assisted living residence in Mesa, AZ. She was one of nine children born to Viola and William McGahan and is survived her two children, David McGahan and Karis Ostrander, stepson John Ostrander and grandchildren, Foster and River Ostrander. She was pre-deceased by her daughter, Elizabeth Howard. Barbara thoroughly enjoyed living on a farm in northwestern Ohio when she was young and loved the animals. She loved children and animals and was fortunate to be surrounded by them throughout her life. They were naturally attracted to her. Barbara had a passion for playing piano and organ and studied music with international award winning performer and composer, Elizabeth Gould Hochman, of Toledo, OH. Elizabeth’s sheet music and published scores from 1951-1991 are held by the University of Toledo. Barbara pursued teaching piano and organ in the basement of her home in Maumee, OH for many years. She was organist at several Lutheran churches and served as a substitute organist throughout Toledo, OH spanning many years. Her crowning achievement was a variety programmed 4 organ concert, held at the Toledo Masonic Auditorium, now called the Stranahan Theater, for which she had the classical portion of the concert. The venue seats 2400 and was sold out. Musicians from all over Detroit and Toledo praised her performance, including her teacher and mentor, Elizabeth Gould Hochman. With her second husband, Barbara owned music stores where they sold pianos, organs and sheet music and provided 15 studios for lessons. 1