Dorothy Houghton

HOUGHTON, DOROTHY M. BRADBURY, 84, wife of the late Professor Raymond W. Houghton, passed away peacefully at home on December 3, 2011, from progressive supraneuclear palsy. She was surrounded by her family. She was born in Pawtucket, RI August 17, 1927 and resided there until 1953 when she moved with her family to what is now known as the Jeremiah Smith/Houghton Homestead in Lincoln. She was a graduate of the former Pawtucket West High School and attended what is now Johnson and Wales University. She was a member of Lime Rock Baptist Church. She is survived by two daughters, Nancy Houghton Manion and Susan Clarke both of Lincoln and two sons, David Houghton and his wife, Julie of Utah and John Houghton and his wife, Deborah of Lincoln. She leaves seven grandchildren, Jason Dionne and wife, Jackie, Seth Dionne and wife, Laura, Jenny DiMucci and husband, Michael, Trevor Clarke and wife, Jennifer, Graham Clarke, Sarah Weyer and husband, Guillermo and Matthew Houghton. She also leaves eight great-grandchildren,Danielle Dionne, Austin Dionne, Lily Murray, Liam Dionne, Sophie Dionne, Nevan DiMucci, Remy DiMucci and Liza Weyer. She was the daughter of the late Bert and Annie Bradbury and the sister of the late John Bradbury. As a child Dorothy was known throughout New England as a member of the entertainment group The Three B's. Along with Harry and Dorothy Bracewell, she danced and performed acrobatics. She was the owner of the Dorothy May Music and Dance School in Pawtucket and Bristol, RI. She was a member of the American Guild of Variety Artists. For twenty-five years Dorothy organized and ran a widely popular Christmas Bazaar in her home. Over thirty craftspeople would sell handmade gifts and Christmas decorations. She made Nantucket baskets. Dorothy was a gracious host who opened her home for tea parties, golf tournaments and family picnics. For over sixty years she and her husband hosted a Christmas Eve open house with festive decorations, great food and much singing. Dorothy and her late husband, Ray were honored by the town of Lincoln for making possible the acquisition of fifty acres of the original Jeremiah Smith Homestead property as the foundation of the Lime Rock Preserve. Dorothy was an avid golfer, often playing in Scotland and Ireland with her husband. She and the late Barbara Gilfillan opened Dobar Sports in Pawtucket, a specialty store carrying golf clothing and Irish gifts. She maintained a formal exercise routine throughout her life. She did aerobics and yoga and was an avid walker. She enjoyed working in her yard creating beautiful gardens and walkways. She loved watching the wildlife on her property. Dorothy was a mother first and was most happy spending time with her family. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought the most smiles. She will be remembered by all who knew her as a faithful friend with a warm heart. A memorial service will be held SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2011 AT 2:00pm at LIME ROCK BAPTIST CHURCH 1075 Great Rd, Lincoln, RI. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lime Rock Baptist Church Sunday School 1075 Great Rd, Lincoln, RI 02865. Arrangements made by A.A. Mariani & Son. www.marianiandson.com