Eloise Katherine Kautz Houghton

Newton Community Leader and lifelong activist for social equality, human rights, peace and non-violence, passed away on Tuesday, January 15th in Newton. Her 87 years were a passionate, energetic journey of service to humanity. She was loved and admired by many, particularly in the City of Newton and at the Friends Meeting in Cambridge (Quakers), where she was a longtime member. Eloise leaves behind her loving husband of 63 years, Proctor W. Houghton, her sister Elaine Toscano of East Windsor, NJ, and her children, Laurel Ann of CA, Glen of ME and Bruce and Mark of MA, as well as five grandchildren. The daughter of a Baptist Minister and his wife, Edwin and Anne Kautz, immigrants from Hungary and Czechoslovakia respectively, Eloise inherited a passion for improving the human condition. As a child, her family frequently moved throughout Texas and the Northeast United States as her parents cared for the needs of their immigrant community through various Baptist ministries. Eloise and Proctor were residents of Newton for over 58 years, where they raised their four children and lovingly cared for her aged parents. She untiringly served her family and her community simultaneously. With a powerful gift in honest, persuasive public speaking, she spoke from her heart in many Newton political, religious and civic organizations, constantly advocating to make her community and the world a better place for all. Eloise was a lover of nature and the outdoors, spending long hours on the Brewster sand flats exploring the environment with her children and digging for clams, later contributing to the founding of the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History. A summer resident for over 45 years, she lived on Breakwater Road, and later at Brewster's Sea Pines Village. Being determined to oppose bigotry and war, Eloise energetically generated the enthusiasm of countless others to become involved in serving their communities. From Newton Churches, to City Hall, to the Boy Scouts, to the neighborhood dry cleaner and grocer, she was guided by a fervent belief that the Light of God is within every person. Everyone was important to her. Among her many awards, Eloise received the Key to the City of Newton, the Centennial Medallion and was one of the first to receive an award from the Newton Human Rights Commission. During the 1960's and 70's, she directed the Committee on Responsibility (COR), bringing war injured Vietnamese children to the United States for treatment of burns. As a Founding Board Member of the Newton Community Development Foundation (NCDF), she was recognized by the Massachusetts Senate and House with the Excellence in Community Development Award for the development of low and moderate-income housing. NCDF, in turn, established the Eloise K. Houghton annual award for volunteerism in her name. She also served as the President of the Newton League of Women Voters and Church Women United. A Memorial Service at the Friends Meeting House in Cambridge will be announced in the coming months. Donations can be made in Eloise's name to the American Friends Service Committee, 2161 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140. In the coming days, friends of the family are encouraged to visit, write and call Proctor W. Houghton between the hours of 3 PM to 8 PM at LaSalle Village, 60 Seminary Ave. Apartment #370, Newton, MA 02466-2671.