Janet Lee Howell

Janet Lee (Zabik) Howell of Lorton, VA, passed away on May 13, 2026, at the age of 74. She was born on November 18, 1951, to Bruno and Laura Zabik in Cleveland, OH. Janet met the love of her life, David Dean Howell, while attending Dayton University in Ohio. The couple was married in1971and moved to Arlington, VA. They shared 45 years of marriage and were blessed with 3 children. Family was most important to Janet, both immediate and extended. If there was an opportunity to be with family, Janet made it a priority to be there. She was typically the life of the party and would always make sure everyone felt included. Playing cards, scrabble, and any word game was a daily activity for Janet. Some of her favorite pastimes were reading, traveling, sitting on the beach, and enjoying the lovely view of the Potomac River from her bedroom each morning. But the most precious thing to Janet was the time she spent with her six grandchildren. Janet’s career was primarily focused in new home sales throughout Northern, VA. She began her 25-year journey in 1983 when she accepted a part-time role as a Sales Assistant for Pulte Homes. She continued in the industry until 2008 when she retired as Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Brookfield Homes. Much of Janet’s retirement time was fulfilled by her dedication to the Girl Scouts. She was a troop organizer, as well as a troop leader from 2008 to 2024. Janet is preceded in death by her husband, David Howell: parents, Bruno and Laura Zabik and brother Richard Zabik. Janet is survived by her children: Jennifer (Brian) Dillard, Daniel (Renata Duarte) Howell, Erin (Mike) Smith; grandchildren: Jayden, Kaylee and Justin Dillard, Regan, Sean and Madeline Smith: sisters: Bernadette Syroney and Dorothy (Phil) Dubensky; sister-in-law: Wendy Howell, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and extend family members. Visitation will be Thursday, June 11 from 4-7:00 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home, 3200 Golansky Blvd., Woodbridge, VA 22192. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, June 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 12805 Valleywood Dr., Woodbridge, VA 22192. Interment to follow at Fairfax Memorial Park.

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Janet Lee Howell

May 13, 2026