Obituary of Elaine B. Houghton

Elaine B. Sutton Houghton 68, of Gloversville , passed away peacefully on January 4, 2009 at Mountain Valley Hospice, with her children at her side, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Born on Jan. 15, 1940 in Johnstown, she was the daughter of Kenneth and Josephine Sutton. She attended Johnstown schools and graduated with the class of 1957. Elaine received her Associates Degree in Pre-School Education from S.U.N.Y Cobleskill. Elaine worked for many years as a nursery school teacher at the Gloversville Day Nursery and the Jewish Community Center, then later as a nurse's aide at Johnstown Hospital. In the 1980's, she was employed as an aide for the Gloversville School District. On November 26, 1960 Elaine married Donald Houghton, and together they raised 4 children. Elaine was a dedicated mother and a loving grandmother to her 6 grandchildren. Elaine's greatest joy came from spending time with her children and spoiling her grandchildren and her "grand dogs." Elaine and her son Jim were avid NY Giants Football fans and watched every game together when possible. When they could not be together, they would stay on the phone throughout the game. Elaine also enjoyed Rod Stewart's music and attended his concerts with her daughter Julie. Daughters Jackie and Amy were Mom's phone companions and she was always willing to listen, give advice, or just let us "vent." Elaine took pride in being of Slovak heritage and making sure her children learned and carried on the recipes & traditions. She was an animal lover and was known for always having a Miniature Schnauzer. Elaine enjoyed "her soaps" and watching war movies. Elaine is survived by her children, Jacqueline Jones Daryl and their two sons Zachary 16, and Spencer 13, of Fort Lauderdale , Fla. James Houghton Karen and their two children Dustin 17, and Brittany 14, of Webster , NY, Amy Houghton Brian Meade and her daughter Mallory 11 , of Gloversville , NY, and Julie Houghton Bill Battisti and their son Ryan 7, of St. Johnsville , NY. She is also survived by her brother, Ivan "Ken" Sutton of Arizona and her beloved Schnauzer, Bosco. Elaine was predeceased by both of her parents. The family will receive friends and relatives from 4 to 7p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at the Walrath & Stewart Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street Gloversville, where a funeral service will follow on Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at FernDale Cemetery, Johnstown. Memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the James A. Brennan Memorial Humane Society, 437 Nine Mile Tree Road, Gloversville, or to Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Ave; Gloversville, NY 12078.