CORONA DEL MAR TODAY

CdM Leader Inez Howald Has Died

Inez Howald — one of Corona del Mar’s most beloved longtime residents — has died. She was 95 years old.

Howald died March 29, surrounded by friends, in her home, several friends confirmed today.

“She was my friend, and she did so many great things,” said BJ Johnson of Corona del Mar. “Grant Howald and Inez were active in the earlier years when the Boy Scout Jamboree came to town, and the park is named after Grant.”

Howald was instrumental in founding the Oasis Senior Center, raised money for the Community Youth Center and was a supporter of Golden West College, where her son, Walt Howald, is a trustee.

The Howald family moved from Kansas to Corona del Mar in 1948 for the weather, Inez Howald once told a reporter for Coast Magazine. The magazine said that Grant Howald was the Corona del Mar postmaster, and that he and his wife helped to found youth centers, parks, baseball diamonds and schools as well as Corona del Mar’s scouting program and the famous Boy Scout Jamboree of 1953. Read the complete article here.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday April 5 at the Community Church Congregational at 611 Heliotrope Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Friends of Oasis, 800 Marguerite Avenue, Corona del Mar, 92615; or Community Church Congregational, 611 Heliotrope Ave. Corona del Mar, 92625.