June Rose Howay died on March 16, 2001 in Minneapolis, MN. She was born the 
second of four children on June 16, 1923, in Cass Lake, MN. Her parents Sarah 
Victoria Jelen Countryman and George Countryman, were of modest means. George 
worked for the Hannah iron ore mines, and for a time, owned the Bear Tracks 
Inn in Ironton, MN. Sarah was a homemaker, gardener and loving mother.

June attended high school in Crosby, MN and was a classmate of Judge Miles 
Lord. Her favorite subjects were English and art. Her interest in painting, 
drawing and the arts continued throughout her life.

She married Lester Abrahamson in 1940 and had two children, Jeanne Abrahamson 
Kluge, born September 19, 1941 and Vicki Abrahamson MacNabb, born Aug. 18, 1947.

June is survived by her daughters, 10 grandchildren and five great grandchildren, 
brother Harold Countryman, Ironton, MN and sister Laverne Countryman Buchite Bell 
of Pine River, MN.

Divorced in 1949, June followed her heart to her second love, traveling and spent 
time exploring the western United States. She met Lyle James Howay while living in 
Fairplay, CO. They were married in 1963 and moved to Minneapolis, living first in 
Lakeville, then Braham and Mora, later making their permanent home in Beroun.

June and Lyle loved their "hobby farm" with its tool sheds, grapevines, apple and 
plum trees and birds. They were active members of the United Methodist Church of 
Pine City, where Lyle especially enjoyed singing in the choir. Lyle worked for the 
Pine City Pioneer until his death in 1993. June moved to Westchester Apartments and 
with declining health, relocated in 1997 to Minneapolis where her daughters lovingly 
cared for her until her death.

Services for June were held March 20 at Swanson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Karen 
Seavey officiating. Organist was Marge Hawkinson and soloist was Jennifer Hansmann.
Interment was at Birchwood Cemetery.

Published in the Pine City Pioneer March 22, 2001.