Lois V. Houghton

Lois V. Houghton [Sheaffer], 90, passed away Wednesday, October 13, at Provena Mercy Center after a short and unexpected illness. She was born December 27, 1913, in Plano, IL. Lois graduated from Downer College in 1936 and worked as a graphic artist and served as a volunteer for the American Red Cross for over two decades. Lois was united in marriage to Cholm G. Houghton on March 3, 1946 in Marshalltown, Iowa. Throughout her life, Lois was an avid painter and bird watcher, sharing her appreciation for nature, classical music and fine arts with her children, friends and countless numbers of cub scouts and brownies. In her later years Lois continued to maintain old friendships while at the same time investing in new ones at Provena Fox Knoll. Special thanks to Sr. Solena for her weekly Art Discussion Group, Sr. Connie for her pastoral care, Terri Lundin for her yoga/exercise group, Dottie Smith for her emphatic nursing care and Pat Beebee for being present in a critical moment of need in Lois final days. To the entire staff of Provena Fox Knoll, thank you and may God bless you for the multiple ways you offered compassion and empathy to Lois every day. Lois was a great encourager and always chose to focus on her blessings. She continued to create clever notes, limericks and hand illustrated cards in spite of her rheumatoid arthritis, a profound model of joy and hope. Always available for moral support, Lois will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Jean [Wright] and Lyman Sheaffer; her husband Cholm in 1991 and three infant sons lost in infancy. Survivors include two children, Greg [Bonnie] Houghton of Homewood and their two sons, Alex and Jared; Marissa [Bob Happ] of Aurora and their five children, Benjamin [Amy], Sara, Rebecca, Rachel and Deborah. There will be no visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, October 16, at St. Rita of Cascia Church, 750 W. Old Indian Trail Rd., in Aurora at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Louis Busemeyer will officiate with interment in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are being handled by The Daleiden Mortuary, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora. 630-631-5500 or visit the website at www.daleidenmortuary.com