Sarah Houghton1

F, #61411, b. 22 December 1878, d. July 1965

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthDec 22, 18781
DeathJul, 19651

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.

Ronald Woodbury Houghton1

M, #61412, b. 18 February 1933, d. 12 April 1982

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthFeb 18, 1933Sterling, MA, USA, age 17 in 1950 census2
DeathApr 12, 1982Holden, MA, USA2,3

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://www.genealogybank.com/gbnk/obituaries; Houghton Surname.
  2. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.
  3. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, Massachusetts Death Index, 1970-2003 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.

Charles Houghton1

M, #61413, b. 5 June 1884, d. March 1969

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJun 5, 18841
Last LocIntervale, Carroll Co., NH, USA, Zip 038451
DeathMar, 19691
Duplicate

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.

Ina M. Houghton1

F, #61414, b. 6 January 1908, d. 15 October 1989

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJan 6, 19081
Last LocEagle Lake, Polk Co., FL, USA, Zip 338391
DeathOct 15, 19891

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.

Elizabeth Houghton1,2

F, #61415, b. 24 May 1877, d. 10 April 1974

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthMay 24, 1877MA, USA1,3
Last LocSouth Yarmouth, Barnstable Co., MA, USA, Zip 026641
DeathApr 10, 1974Plymouth, MA, USA1,3,2

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.
  2. [S1042] Social Security Death Index, Number: 029-03-8431;Issue State: Massachusetts;Issue Date: Before 1951.
  3. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, Massachusetts Death Index, 1970-2003 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.

Charles Albert Houghton1

M, #61416, b. 5 June 1930, d. 19 April 2001

Family: June C. Surette b. 12 Jun 1936, d. May 2001

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthJun 5, 1930Higham, MA, USA, age 9 in 1940 census3,2
MarriageMar 2, 1957North Quincy, MA, USA3,4
Last LocHingham, Plymouth Co., MA, USA, Zip 020431
DeathApr 19, 2001Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, SSDI: 10 Apr 20013,1

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.
  2. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Escondido, San Diego, California; Roll: T627_295; Page: 63A; Enumeration District: 37-30; line 38, dwl 144.
  3. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, Massachusetts Death Index, 1970-2003 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.
  4. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, http://trees.ancestry.com/tree/59715318/person/46050827458

Harold Houghton1

M, #61417, b. 30 July 1897, d. December 1979

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJul 30, 18971
Last LocArlington, Middlesex Co., MA, USA, Zip 021741
DeathDec, 19791

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.

Mildred G. Houghton1

F, #61418, b. 5 June 1908, d. 6 August 1999

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJun 5, 1908MA, USA, age 1 10/12 in 1910 census; age 11 in 1920 census; age 21 in 1930 census; age 31 in 1940 census1
Last LocDuxbury, Plymouth Co., MA, USA, Zip 023321
DeathAug 6, 1999Quincy, MA, USA1,3

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.
  2. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Huntington, Cabell Co., Virginia; Roll: 2528; Enumeration District: 14; Page 182, Sheet: 12B; line 87, dwl 625-244-272.
  3. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, Massachusetts Death Index, 1970-2003 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.

Robert Houghton1

M, #61419, b. 5 August 1911, d. December 1944

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthAug 5, 19111
DeathDec, 19441

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.

John J. Houghton1,2

M, #61420, b. 1 November 1906, d. 12 March 1983

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthNov 1, 19061
Last LocMilton, Norfolk Co., MA, USA, Zip 021861
DeathMar 12, 1983Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA1,2
Duplicate

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.
  2. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, Massachusetts Death Index, 1970-2003 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.

Juvenea White1

F, #61421, b. 4 January 1898, d. 16 June 1997

Family: Raymond Leslie Houghton b. 30 Apr 1897, d. 20 Jun 1971

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJan 4, 18982
MarriageCourtland W. Rose
Last LocSpringfield, Hampden Co., MA, USA, Zip 011182
Marriage1
DeathJun 16, 1997Springfield, MA, USA, age 991

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://www.genealogybank.com/gbnk/obituaries; Houghton Surname.
  2. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.

Leon Robert Houghton1,2

M, #61422, b. 21 December 1922, d. 30 July 1999

Family: Frances Mosley

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthDec 21, 1922MA, USA, age 7 in 1930 census; age 19 in 1940 census3
Mil. EnlsDec 7, 1942MA, USA, SGT US ARMY WORLD WAR II; Enlistment Date:      7 Dec 1942; Enlistment State:      Massachusetts; Enlistment City:      Boston; Branch:      Air Corps; Branch Code:      Air Corps; Grade:      Private; Grade Code:      PrivateName: Leon R Houghton Birth Year: 1922 Race: White, citizen Nativity State or Country: Massachusetts State: Massachusetts County or City: Middlesex Enlistment Date: 7 Dec 1942 Enlistment State: Massachusetts Enlistment City: Boston Branch: Air Corps Branch Code: Air Corps Grade: Private Grade Code: Private Education: 4 years of high school Civil Occupation: Addressing-Embossing Machine Operator or Clerk, General Marital Status: Single, without dependents Height: 65 Weight: 1124,5
ResearchDec 7, 1942
Marriage
1950 US Census1950Stoneham, MA, USA, age 27, gelacine factory, physical gelacine tester
Last LocStoneham, Middlesex Co., MA, USA, Zip 021803
DeathJul 30, 1999Medford, MA, USA3,6
ObituaryAug 1, 1999HOUGHTON Leon R. of Stoneham, July 30, 1999. Devoted husband of the late Frances (Mosley) Houghton. Beloved father of Charles F. Hounhtnn and hie uuifa Uanraon nf CSa Stoneham, Karen F. Houghton of II NH. Katherine M Hnunhtnn nf PA and Janice T. Houghton of Stoneham. Cherished grandfather of Patrick Houghton of Stoneham and Kelli Grogan of CA. Dear brother of John Houghton of NY and brother-in-law of Frederick Mosley and his wife Diane of Stoneham. Funeral from the Barile Funeral Home. 482 Main St. (Rte. 28), STONEHAM, on Wednesday at 9 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St Patrick's Church, 71 Central St., Stoneham at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend calling hours Tues. 2-4 & 7-9 pm. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Wobum. For those desiring, memorial contributions in Leon's memory may be made to V.N. A. of Middlesex East, 12 Beacon St., Stoneham. MA 02180. Late WW II Army Veteran
BurialCalvary Cemetery, Woburn, MA, USA5

Citations

  1. [S1233] 1930 U.S. Federal Census , Stoneham, Middlesex, Massachusetts; Roll: T626_929; Page: 23A; Enumeration District: 469; Image: 0801; line 13, dwl 8-229-263.
  2. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Stoneham, Middlesex, Massachusetts; Roll: T627_1617; Page: 2A; Enumeration District: 9-489; line 24, dwl 18.
  3. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.
  4. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946 Record.
  5. [S1391] Unknown author, US Veterans Gravesites ca 1775-2005.
  6. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, Massachusetts Death Index, 1970-2003 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.

Robert Houghton1

M, #61423, b. 10 December 1940, d. April 1979

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthDec 10, 19401
Last LocBoston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, Zip 021251
DeathApr, 19791

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.

Emma Houghton1

F, #61424, b. 19 August 1877, d. February 1978

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthAug 19, 18771
Last LocSherborn, Middlesex Co., MA, USA, Zip 017701
DeathFeb, 19781

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.

Arlene E. Houghton1

F, #61425, b. 25 July 1953, d. 31 October 1991

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJul 25, 19531
Last LocWoonsocket, Providence Co., RI, USA, Zip 028951
DeathOct 31, 19911

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.

Edward Houghton1

M, #61426, b. 25 January 1902, d. 1 April 1977

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJan 25, 19021
Last LocQuincy, Norfolk Co., MA, USA, Zip 021691
DeathApr 1, 1977Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA1,2
Duplicate

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.
  2. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, Massachusetts Death Index, 1970-2003 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.

William Houghton1

M, #61427, b. 6 October 1893, d. May 1970

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthOct 6, 18931
Last LocFramingham, Middlesex Co., MA, USA, Zip 017011
DeathMay, 19701

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.

Robert Houghton1

M, #61428, b. 4 April 1921, d. February 1987

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthApr 4, 19211
Last LocWashington, DC, USA, Zip 200151
DeathFeb, 19871

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.

Marie Houghton1

F, #61429, b. 21 May 1917, d. 1 March 1989

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthMay 21, 19171
Last LocStoneham, Middlesex Co., MA, USA, Zip 021801
DeathMar 1, 19891

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.

Charles Houghton1

M, #61430, b. 29 October 1905, d. October 1961

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthOct 29, 19051
DeathOct, 19611
Duplicate

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.

Lillian McKenna1

F, #61431, b. 25 June 1905, d. 9 April 1998

Family: John Joseph Houghton b. 9 Sep 1895, d. 27 Jun 1958

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthJun 25, 1905MA, USA, age 34 in 1940 census2
Marriage1
1940 CensusApr 5, 1940Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, age 44, post office chauffeur; living with brother in law Thomas McKenna, 32, and mother in law Mary McKenna, 703
1950 US Census1950Lincoln, MA, USA, age 50, post office, chauffeur/mechanic
Last LocLincoln, Middlesex Co., MA, USA, Zip 017732
DeathApr 9, 1998Acton, Middlesex Co., MA, USA2,4

Citations

  1. [S93] Newspaper Obituary, Lowell Sun, Lowell MA, June 28, 1938.
  2. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.
  3. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts; Roll: T627_1665; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 15-259; line 11, dwl 722 1/2.
  4. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, Massachusetts Death Index, 1970-2003 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.

John W. Houghton1

M, #61432, b. 13 December 1914, d. 22 February 1999

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthDec 13, 19141
Last LocDuarte, Los Angeles Co., CA, USA, Zip 910101
DeathFeb 22, 19991

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.

Edith H. Houghton1

F, #61433, b. 26 December 1901, d. 22 August 1989

Family: Henry O. Houghton d. b 1989

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthDec 26, 1901Providence, RI, USA1,2
Last LocAuburndale, Middlesex Co., MA, USA, Zip 021661
Children+two daughters Jacquelin Philbrick of Orleans and Brenda Coburn of Middleborough
Marriage2
Immigration1986Orleans, MA, USA
DeathAug 22, 1989Orleans, MA, USA, age 871
ObituaryAug 24, 1989Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, Boston Globe, The (MA) - August 24, 1989
Deceased Name: EDITH HOUGHTON, 87 HAD WORKED AS DIETITIAN
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. tomorrow at the Nickerson Funeral Home in Orleans for Edith Houghton, who was a dietitian in Canada and had worked for New England Baptist Hospital.

Mrs. Houghton died Tuesday in her home of pneumonia. She was 87 and lived in Orleans.

Born in Providence, R.I., Mrs. Houghton was raised in Boston and them moved to Oaxaca, Mexico, where she lived on and off for many years. She later attended Mary C. Wheeler High School in Providence.

Mrs. Houghton left Providence to work as a dietitian in Sherbrooke, Canada, where she lived for nearly 25 years. She then moved back to Boston, where she worked at the New England Baptist Hospital. She then worked for a short time at Herbert Reddy Hospital in Montreal.

Mrs. Houghton later moved to Walpole and served as house director at the Harriet Richard House at Boston University.

While working there, she married her late husband, Henry O. Houghton, and moved to Weston, where she lived for about 10 years. She moved to Orleans in 1986.

She leaves two daughters Jacquelin Philbrick of Orleans and Brenda Coburn of Middleborough; 11 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Copyright (c) 1989 Globe Newspaper Company2

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.
  2. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://www.genealogybank.com/gbnk/obituaries; Houghton Surname.

Wallace Armand Houghton Jr1

M, #61434, b. 26 December 1925, d. 30 June 1986

Family: Ruth Evelyn Hartshorn b. c 1928, d. 21 Feb 2006

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthDec 26, 1925Brockton, MA, USA, age 4 in 1930 census; age 14 in 1940 census1,4,5
Mil. DraftFeb 11, 1946age 20, recently discharged
Marriage19482
1950 US Census1950Middleborough, Plymouth Co., MA, USA, age 25, restaurant short order cook; wife a registered nurse
Last LocFoxboro, Norfolk Co., MA, USA, Zip 020351
DeathJun 30, 1986Norwood, MA, USA1,4
ObituaryJul 2, 1986HOUGHTON Suddenly, of Foxboro, formerly of Norwood, June 30, Wallace A., Jr. Husband of Ruth (Hartshorn), father of Rox-anne Houghton of Lexington, Paula Houghton-Daley of Hyannls, Marsha of foxboro, Wallace, 111 of North Attleboro, & the late James Houghton. Also survived by 3 Rrandsons. Funeral services will be held at le United Church of Norwood on Thurs., July 3 at 10 a.m. Relatives and friend Invlt-" ed. Visiting hour at the Glllooly Funeral Home, 126 Walpole St. (Rte 1A), NORWOOD, Wed. 7-9 p.m. only. Late member, Norwood Lodge of Elk. Late retired firefighter, Town of Norwood. In lieu of flower, please make contributions to the Salvation Army or to the charity of your choice.
ResearchWal Houghton
Timaree A Houghton
Ruth E Houghton
Paula L Houghton
Marcia M Houghton
Daniel Houghton
Timare Houghton
I Wallace Houghton
ResidenceCranston, RI
Norwood, MA
Waltham, MA
Foxboro, MA

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.
  2. [S93] Newspaper Obituary, Ruth Evelyn (Hartshorn) Houghton, Cape Cod Times, Feb 23, 2006.
  3. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Brockton, Plymouth, Massachusetts; Roll: T627_1636; Page: 6B; Enumeration District: 12-37; line 71, dwl 63.
  4. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, Massachusetts Death Index, 1970-2003 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.
  5. [S1542] Unknown name of person, Birth, Massachusetts, Birth Index, 1860-1970 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013. (2013).

Richard Everett Houghton1,2

M, #61435, b. 16 December 1926, d. 3 November 1991

Family: Mildred P. (?) b. c 1924

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthDec 16, 1926Mary Fletcher Hospital, Rutland, VT, USA, age 14 in 1940 census1,2
Marriage
1950 US Census1950Hopkington, MA, USA, age 23, automobile metal finisher
DeathNov 3, 1991Boston, Suffolk Co., MA, USA1,3

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.
  2. [S1074] Town Records: Rutland, VT; VT Division of Records, Middlesex, VT, F-30766, VT Vital Records 1909-1941.
  3. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, Massachusetts Death Index, 1970-2003 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.

Constance E. Houghton1,2

F, #61436, b. 18 May 1911, d. 1 July 2000

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthMay 18, 19111
Last LocWeston, Middlesex Co., MA, USA, Zip 024931
DeathJul 1, 2000Brookline, Norfolk Co., MA, USA1,2

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.
  2. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, Massachusetts Death Index, 1970-2003 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.

Jessie Evangeline Babb1

F, #61437, b. 12 April 1905, d. 25 December 1980

Family: Cornelius A. Houghton b. 10 Jul 1905, d. 3 Jul 1981

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectY
BirthApr 12, 1905ME, USA, age 34 in 1940 census2,1
Marriagecirca 19341
1940 Census1940Mansfield, Bristol Co., MA, USA, age 34, market meat cutter3
1950 US Census1950Mansfield, MA, USA, age 44, tap and dye, thread grinder; and grocery store clerk
Last LocMansfield, Bristol Co., MA, USA, Zip 020482
DeathDec 25, 1980Attleboro, Bristol Co., MA, USA, at 3:30 AM on Christmas morning2,1,4
ContributnMar 31, 2009
Note2011GOUVEIA: Unforgettable Jessie 'Ma' Houghton

BY BILL GOUVEIA
Saturday, April 16, 2011 1:56 AM EDT


Top Headlines
HAND: Hungry for a cause

KIRBY: Here are three reasons why we're not growing as fast as past

HEROUX: Buybacks can make sense

GOUVEIA: Unforgettable Jessie 'Ma' Houghton

VOICES: Remembering the Triangle Fire

My grandmother would have been 106 years old this week. She's been gone now for 30 years, but I find myself missing her even more than usual lately.

As we grow older ourselves, there are fewer folks around who remember the people we loved in our youth. We treasure the time we spent with these special individuals, but our fear is when we depart this world there will be no one left to remember those who made our early lives meaningful.

My grandmother was one of those people. Her name was Jessie Houghton and she lived in Mansfield most of her life. She was married for more than 40 years, raised three kids including my mom, and worked at the old Bay State Tap & Die for almost three decades.

We called her Ma, and she was the greatest person I've ever met. She never went to college or even graduated from high school, yet she was incredibly bright. She spent her life taking care of others, including her siblings starting when she was only 10 years old. I never saw her drive a car, she did not smoke or drink, and she kept her house immaculately clean.

But her greatest achievement was being a grandmother. No one ever did it better. I was the oldest of her seven grandchildren and the one who spent the most time with her. My dad was seriously injured when I was just a baby, and Ma took care of me on a regular basis for quite a while. In fact, even when I thought I was caring for her in her final years, she was still taking care of me.

My memories of growing up involve Ma at every stage. You always knew when school was starting because Ma would take us school clothes shopping at Sannie's in Mansfield. Then it was over to Sillman's shoe store in Attleboro, where it seemed everyone had a shoe club. It always had to be Phil who fitted us - no one else would do for Ma's grandkids. We would top it off by stopping at O'Brien's Restaurant in Norton for a burger, and an ice cream for dessert if we were good. Of course, Ma always thought we were good. She was our champion, our steadfast defender. We could do no wrong in her eyes. Her love was unconditional and unshakeable.

As I got older, Ma and I would spend much time together. I would stay at her house many times with my brother and sister. When the younger kids were asleep, Ma would talk to me. I didn't always understand everything she said, but I always listened. She would talk about family responsibilities, how you have to take care of people even when they make you angry.

"When you grow up and get married, you stay with your wife and family no matter what," she told me one night when I was about 13. "You just remember what your old Ma told you." More than 40 years later, that moment remains fresh in mind. I can still picture her tired, wrinkled face as she gazed at me with such earnestness and love.

Today my mom is gone, and so is my sister. All Ma's friends and most of her close relatives have passed away. There are still some of us alive who remember the amazing person my grandmother was, but it won't be long before there is no one left who actually knew her. That makes me incredibly sad.

My oldest son was a year old when she died. She was so thrilled at having a great-grandson. He and his brother have heard my countless stories. They have seen the pictures and had to suffer through my detailed recollections. But it's not the same.

There will come a time when Jessie Houghton will just be another name on a gravestone in Mansfield, and I fear no one will visit. She deserves so much better than that. She wasn't famous, but she was unforgettable.

So I will ask my sons and my grandson to remember her and visit her after I am gone. It's the least I can do, and I think Ma would like it.

BILL GOUVEIA is a local columnist and a typical oldest child and grandchild. He can be reached at aninsidelook@aol.com.5
ObituaryApr 16, 2011Sun Chronicle, The (Attleboro, MA) - April 16, 2011
Deceased Name: GOUVEIA: Unforgettable Jessie 'Ma' Houghton
My grandmother would have been 106 years old this week. She's been gone now for 30 years, but I find myself missing her even more than usual lately.

As we grow older ourselves, there are fewer folks around who remember the people we loved in our youth. We treasure the time we spent with these special individuals, but our fear is when we depart this world there will be no one left to remember those who made our early lives meaningful.

My grandmother was one of those people. Her name was Jessie Houghton and she lived in Mansfield most of her life. She was married for more than 40 years, raised three kids including my mom, and worked at the old Bay State Tap & Die for almost three decades.

We called her Ma, and she was the greatest person I've ever met. She never went to college or even graduated from high school, yet she was incredibly bright. She spent her life taking care of others, including her siblings starting when she was only 10 years old. I never saw her drive a car, she did not smoke or drink, and she kept her house immaculately clean.

But her greatest achievement was being a grandmother. No one ever did it better. I was the oldest of her seven grandchildren and the one who spent the most time with her. My dad was seriously injured when I was just a baby, and Ma took care of me on a regular basis for quite a while. In fact, even when I thought I was caring for her in her final years, she was still taking care of me.

My memories of growing up involve Ma at every stage. You always knew when school was starting because Ma would take us school clothes shopping at Sannie's in Mansfield. Then it was over to Sillman's shoe store in Attleboro, where it seemed everyone had a shoe club. It always had to be Phil who fitted us - no one else would do for Ma's grandkids.

We would top it off by stopping at O'Brien's Restaurant in Norton for a burger, and an ice cream for dessert if we were good. Of course, Ma always thought we were good. She was our champion, our steadfast defender. We could do no wrong in her eyes. Her love was unconditional and unshakeable.

As I got older, Ma and I would spend much time together. I would stay at her house many times with my brother and sister. When the younger kids were asleep, Ma would talk to me. I didn't always understand everything she said, but I always listened. She would talk about family responsibilities, how you have to take care of people even when they make you angry.

"When you grow up and get married, you stay with your wife and family no matter what," she told me one night when I was about 13. "You just remember what your old Ma told you." More than 40 years later, that moment remains fresh in mind. I can still picture her tired, wrinkled face as she gazed at me with such earnestness and love.

Today my mom is gone, and so is my sister. All Ma's friends and most of her close relatives have passed away. There are still some of us alive who remember the amazing person my grandmother was, but it won't be long before there is no one left who actually knew her. That makes me incredibly sad.

My oldest son was a year old when she died. She was so thrilled at having a great-grandson. He and his brother have heard my countless stories. They have seen the pictures and had to suffer through my detailed recollections. But it's not the same.

There will come a time when Jessie Houghton will just be another name on a gravestone in Mansfield, and I fear no one will visit. She deserves so much better than that. She wasn't famous, but she was unforgettable.

So I will ask my sons and my grandson to remember her and visit her after I am gone. It's the least I can do, and I think Ma would like it.

BILL GOUVEIA is a local columnist and a typical oldest child and grandchild. He can be reached at aninsidelook@aol.com .6

Citations

  1. [S415] E-mail from Cynthia Leathers, Mar 31, 2009.
  2. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.
  3. [S1479] 1940 U.S. Federal Census , Mansfield, Bristol, Massachusetts; Roll: T627_1573; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 3-66.
  4. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, Massachusetts Death Index, 1970-2003 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.
  5. [S93] Newspaper Obituary, http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2011/04/16/columns/…
  6. [S93] Newspaper Obituary, http://www.genealogybank.com/gbnk/obituaries/doc/obit/…

Geraldine Houghton1

F, #61438, b. 22 July 1931, d. 26 November 1998

Biography

Corresponded with authorN
A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
BirthJul 22, 19311
Last LocWinthrop, Suffolk Co., MA, USA, Zip 021521
DeathNov 26, 19981

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.

Barbara A. (?)1

F, #61439, b. 28 July 1931, d. February 1967

Family: James Joseph Houghton Jr. b. 13 Feb 1918, d. 5 Oct 1998

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthJul 28, 19311
MarriageMA, USA
1950 US Census1950Andover, MA, USA, age 32, shoe mfg. clerical
DeathFeb, 19671
ParentsDStepfather John J Kelley and Minnie

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.

Isabel A. Histen1

F, #61440, b. 27 March 1925, d. 28 June 1998

Family: Bryce E. Houghton b. 31 Jul 1920, d. 24 Feb 1994

Biography

A Contributor to Houghton Surname ProjectN
Corresponded with authorN
BirthMar 27, 1925MA, USA2,3
Marriage1
1950 US Census1950Milton, MA, USA, age 29, no occupation; living with parents in law Edward & Mary Histen
Last LocMilton, Norfolk Co., MA, USA, Zip 021862
DeathJun 28, 1998Braintree, Norfolk Co., MA, USA, SSDI: Nov 19942

Citations

  1. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , http://www.genealogybank.com/gbnk/obituaries; Houghton Surname.
  2. [S654] Electronic Web Site, , Rootsweb.Com, Houghton Surname, Social Security Death Index for Dec. 2001.
  3. [S882] Ancestry.Com, online www.ancestry.com, Massachusetts Death Index, 1970-2003 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.