by Mary Ann LAURICELLA
Madeline Keyser, head teacher at Fillmore Elementary School in
Arlington, Virginia was quite impressed by a bright little girl in first grade.
"What a wonderful pupil," she wrote in 1954, in a progress
report to the youngster's parents. "Barbara has made outstanding progress, reads well
and with expression. She is quite interested in all school activities..."
She continued: "Barbara has completed all the basic books for the
first year and has done quite a bit of independent reading. Barbara has contributed so
much to our group this year. She has self-confidence and is trustworthy. Best of all, she
has a sense of humor."
![]() |
![]() |
Grandparents, Tom and Luella Devine, and sister Joan - 1957 | At age 2 - 1949 |
![]() |
![]() |
First day of first grade - 1953 | Brownie Joan and Girl Scout Barbara - 1957 |
Fifty years later, Erie County Surrogate Judge Barbara Howe is still
achieving and earning rave reviews.
The daughter of parents who were born and raised in Brooklyn, Barbara
Howe was born in Neptune, New Jersey. At that time, her father, Walter, was chief armament
inspector at Fort Dix. Her mother, the late Nathalie Howe, and younger sister, Joan, (now
Joan Howe Walsh, Ph.D. of Linden, California) completed the Howe family.
In 1953, the Howes relocated to Washington, D.C., where Dad filled the
top editor post at The American Rifleman Magazine and was editorial director of all
National Rifle Association publications.
From her Fillmore Elementary years through to graduation from Yorktown
High School, Barbara Howe benefited from what she describes as "a fine public school
education."
![]() |
![]() |
Yorktown High Senior Prom - 1965 | Niece Tia joins mom and Aunt Barbara - 1985 |
![]() |
![]() |
At Bunratty Castle, Ireland, tracing Moms Irish roots - 1981 | Parents Walter and the late Nathalie Howe |
Starting college in Ohio State University's history honors program, she
transferred to the University at Connecticut after two years to be closer to her parents,
who had moved to Fairfield County. By then, her father had a new editorial position, with
Connecticut-based Management Publishing Group.
Armed with a bachelor's degree and a Phi Beta Kappa key, it was on to
Cornell University, where Barbara earned both a master's degree and a Ph.D. in sociology.
What would prove to be a fortunate day for Western New York occurred 30
years ago, when she arrived at State University of Buffalo to begin her first professional
career -- as an assistant professor of sociology. While still teaching sociology, she took
her first steps- literally- toward her second career, when she walked across the U.B.
campus to attend classes at the School of Law. "I had always wanted to go to law
school, and when the opportunity arose, I took advantage of it, " Judge Howe
recalled. Once she graduated from law school and passed the New York State Bar, Barbara
Howe's law career was set at full speed ahead.
Her early work included pro bono assignments for Legal Aid. Later, she
took a non-paid leave of absence from her U.B. faculty position to serve as a law clerk
for Judge Edgar NeMoyer in the Buffalo District Office of the New York State Court of
Claims.
![]() |
![]() |
Running for City Court | Running for State Supreme Court |
![]() |
![]() |
At Ebony & Ivory Dinner with some colleagues - early 1990s |
Conducting YWCA Institute for Political Leadership training class - 1991 |
Of pivotal importance was her decision to get involved in politics in
the early 1980s, when she became active in the Rev. Jesse Jackson's first Presidential
campaign. "That's when I met the Arthur O. Eve family, and others who have remained
close friends over all these years," Judge Howe said. She has longtime friendships
across the political spectrum, and has been a stalwart supporter of minority community
issues.
Successful the first time she ran for a judicial position - Buffalo
City Court, where she served from 1988 to 1991, she was elected a New York State Supreme
Court Justice in 1992. She served there until 2003, when she became the first woman
elected Erie County Surrogate Judge.
For Judge Howe, "politics" can be a good word. She is proud
that her opponent for State Supreme Court in 1991, John B. Sheffer II, now a professor and
executive director of the Institute for Regional Growth at U.B., spoke on her behalf when
the GOP nominated her for Surrogate Judge. Her candidacy also was endorsed by the
Democratic, Conservative, Independence and Working Families political parties.
![]() |
![]() |
With then Buffalo Councilmen Joel Giambra and David Rutecki - 1987 |
With dear friend Constance Eve - 1987 |
![]() |
At City Court Swearing-in with Judge Edgar NeMoyer - 1988 |
Judge Howe's ties to U.B. are strong. She remains an adjunct professor
of sociology, and an adjunct clinical professor of law there. Professor William Greiner,
former U.B. president, spoke at her swearing-in ceremony on January 2. Also speaking was
Gene Vukelic, chairman and chief executive officer of Try-It Distributing Co., Inc., whom
she had selected to chair her campaign. "It was a tremendous honor to have Gene serve
in that capacity because he is a person of the highest integrity. He is a quality person
who reflects the values I embrace," she said.
At Surrogate's Court, Judge Howe oversees a staff of 35. The court
handles matters relating to wills, estates and property of deceased persons. It processes
guardianships for children under age 18 and persons with mental retardation and
developmental disabilities. It shares authority with Erie County Family Court to hear
adoption proceedings.
![]() |
![]() |
Skiing at Bear Valley, CA. with Joe | Rollerblading with nephew Joe |
![]() |
Dr. John Walsh, Dr. Joan Howe Walsh, and young Joe |
"It is the greatest privilege and a matter of trust to assume the
leadership challenges of a post occupied with distinction by Judge Joseph S. Mattina for
22 years," she said. At her right hand are two individuals who have worked closely
with her for many years - law clerk Joseph Shifflett (23 years) and secretary Martha Howe
(no relation to Judge Howe), whom she met in 1979.
There are a number of administrative issues facing Surrogate's Court
this year, including relocation from the first floor of Erie County Hall to the second
floor. A new case management technology system will be installed. Judge Howe has begun
working on a three to five year comprehensive strategic plan. Under discussion is a new
program to allow occasional sessions of Surrogate's Court to be held in town court
settings throughout the county.
"My first priority is educating the public about the work of the
Surrogate, emphasizing some functions that perhaps are less well known," she said.
Judge Howe recently created a basic information brochure to be available in English and
Spanish.
![]() |
![]() |
With Walsh family dogs - 2001 | Enjoying time with pet cat - 1991 |
She is proud that her first opportunity to fill an opening among the
trustees of the Statler Foundation, which she oversees, brought aboard Bernard Tolbert, a
former head of the Buffalo District Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
"He will be welcomed as an outstanding addition to this dedicated board," she
said.
Often asked about important influences in her life, Judge Howe always
replies: "I owe everything to my parents." She describes the "happy and
nourished environment" they provided for her and her sister, and traces so many of
her interests to them.
Thanks to her mother, having her own public library card became a
treasured childhood possession, and opened up a lifelong love of books, learning and
ideas. Her first trip abroad at age 16, with her mother and sister, was to England and
France, the same destinations of Judge Howe's two European trips in the past year. Judge
Howe is an avid traveler. Mrs. Howe died in 2002. Mr. Howe, nearing his 85th birthday,
still resides in Connecticut.
![]() |
![]() |
Former Assemblyman Arthur O. Eve joins well-wishers - 2004 | Former Surrogate Judge Joseph S. Mattina - 2001 |
![]() |
![]() |
Judge Howe with Katie Couric. Courics late sister Emily was Judge Howes high school classmate. | Cornell University President Jeffrey Lehman - 2004 |
Judge Howe is close to her sister, Dr. Joan Howe Walsh, who is a
professor of nutrition in California's state college system. She enjoys visiting the Walsh
family - Joan's husband, Dr. John Walsh, a research microbiologist; and their children,
Tia and Joseph. Joan held the Bible when Judge Howe was sworn in as Surrogate Judge.
A look through the Howe family album reveals Judge Howe's great love of
animals. Today, Calvin the cat shares her Buffalo home. A former member of the Erie County
SPCA Board, Judge Howe conceived a course that the SPCA now provides through the courts to
persons who exhibit cruelty or neglect of animals.
Cited as the first of its kind in the nation, the five-hour session is
available for those charged with animal abuse. A judge could recommend attendance in lieu
of or in addition to jail time. Judge Howe believes that there is strong link between
those who abuse animals and later victimize people. "If my efforts stopped even one
incident of animal abuse, that is the legacy for which I would want to be
remembered," she said.
Her current board memberships reflect her many interests. Among them
are vice president, Women Judges of the State of New York; vice president, the One Hundred
Club; President's Council of Cornell Women; and St. Augustine Center. She is a past
president of the U.B. Law School Alumni Association and a past president of the Women
Lawyers of Western New York.
![]() |
![]() |
Campaign Chair Gene Vukelic - 2004 | Senior Judge Samuel Green and Presiding Judge Eugene Pigott Appellate Division, Fourth Department - 2004 |
![]() |
![]() |
Sister holds the Bible as Judge Samuel Green swears in Surrogate Judge Howe - 2004 | With fiance John Alexanderson |
Judge Howe is a fitness enthusiast, who enjoys running and working out
daily. She loves flowers and plants, which are her gifts of choice when remembering
special occasions in her friends' lives. Her outgoing personality, sincere interest in
others, willingness to listen and eagerness to help solve problems have won her a legion
of loyal friends and supporters.
As Judge Howe's professional life this year is distinguished by a new
role as Surrogate Judge, so is there an exciting new role in her personal life. She and
West Seneca businessman John Alexanderson recently announced that they are engaged to be
married.
Mary Ann Lauricella is a Public Relations consultant and freelance writer.