Elizabeth Ann Houghtby

Elizabeth Ann Houghtby, 92, passed away on January 5, 2017 at home in North Oaks, MN, after a courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis over the course of nearly 60 years. Her husband, William (Bill), and several of her children were with her in her last days. All who knew her over the years were impressed by her grace and determination to enjoy what life offered her, and felt her love and the warmth of her interest in their lives. She leaves behind Bill, her husband of 68 years; her daughters Carol Houghtby and Anne (Mike) Weaver, of White Bear Lake, MN; son David (Pearl Kilbride) of Saint Paul, MN; son Bruce (Diane) of Chester Springs, PA; grandchildren Emily Watson, Phillip Houghtby, and Ethan Houghtby; and many dear nieces, nephews and great-nieces and -nephews. Elizabeth was born in Blissfield, MI to DeArle and Eunice Porter. She grew up on a farm with her younger sister Eleanor, and they maintained a close bond throughout their lives. She met Bill in high school, and graduated as valedictorian in the same class in which he was salutatorian. After his service in World War II, Bill followed her to the University of Michigan. Elizabeth taught high school English for several years while he finished his college degree. After moving to Portland, Connecticut in 1950, they began their family. Elizabeth enjoyed gardening, boating, music (playing the piano at home and the pipe organ for services at the Portland Methodist Church for several years), and the many musical theater productions that premiered at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT. She was an avid knitter and produced countless afghans, blankets, sweaters, and woolen candy-cane Christmas tree ornaments for friends and family. She was an active volunteer in church, the Daughters of the American Revolution and other community causes. She had a close quartet of good friends in Portland for many years, and their outings and lunches were always full of fun, and maybe just a little gossip. She and Bill took sailing lessons in Florida in the 1970's, and later spent several months each winter there swimming, basking in the sun, and enjoying the fresh seafood. She and Bill moved to Minnesota in 2007 to be nearer several of their children, and to find better care for her MS. A major selling point was the large pool in their apartment building, which enabled her to get her favorite exercise without having to check the wind chill first. Many thanks to the Upper Midwest Chapter of the National MS Society for their resources and support, to the staff and caregivers of BrightStar Care, and to the residents and staff of Waverly Gardens in North Oaks for their help and concern. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the National MS Society or the Alzheimer's Association. A memorial service will be held at Waverly Gardens Chapel, 5919 Centerville Road, North Oaks, MN on Friday, January 20th at 2pm, with gathering of friends and family 1 hour prior.

Tributes

Elizabeth Ann Houghtby

September 13, 1924 - January 5, 2017

Tributes

Elizabeth Ann Houghtby

September 13, 1924 - January 5, 2017

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