Obituary of LUCILLE ANGELINE HOUGHTON

Lucille (Lucy) Houghton

November 18, 1929 – December 27, 2023

Peacefully, and surrounded by the love of her family, Lucy Houghton died on Wednesday, December 27 at Riverview Health Centre at the age of 94.

Left to cherish her memory are son Jeff (Irene), and daughters Glynnis Fidler, and Maureen Wilson (Michael). She was a loving Nan to Brad, Kristy (Rene), Lauren (Christian), Laine (Ryleigh), Drew (Shawn), Aidan (JJ), Benjamin (Nicole), and Leah and adored her great-grandchildren Nicholas, Teresa, Leighton, Xavier, Parker, and Roman. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Ken, parents Paul and Pauline Chrzanowski, siblings Mike, John, Frank, and Rose Mirus, sister-in-law Dorothy McCallion, and grandson Bradley.

Lucy grew up in the vibrant Polish immigrant community of Selkirk Avenue. Her mother owned a dressmaking shop on Selkirk while her father sold Raleighs products in the country. Her school, Holy Ghost Church, and most of her family were all within walking distance. In the 1930’s her parents bought a small modest cottage in Winnipeg Beach which would become Lucy’s home away from home for the rest of her life.

It was at the renowned Dance Hall at Winnipeg Beach that she met a dashing young Ken Houghton. They were married in 1952 and began life living with family on Selkirk Avenue. But their eyes were set on the promising new development of Garden City and it was there they built the home of their dreams on Arrowwood Drive North. The Houghton home was family central. As the family grew it became the place for large magical Christmas Eve gatherings, Easter egg painting days, and keeping Polish traditions alive. Mom always insisted on everyone posing for family pictures and complete attention as birthday cards were read aloud. At home she loved watching figure skating and ‘her’ Young and the Restless for many years.

Lucy was exceedingly bright and when Garden City Shopping Centre opened in 1970 she began a long career in the catalogue department of Sears. For a number of years she worked at the Shoppers Drugmart Post Office in the mall at the same time. Very organized and meticulous, she managed work, home, and cottage following Ken’s illness and death in January 1984.

Lucy never had as much joy, peace, and fun as when she was at Winnipeg Beach. There were no fewer rules than at home but there was an abundance of laughter as well. She loved beach breakfasts, tending her flowers, days on the sand, visits from extended family, cocktails on the deck, and music in the air. Always up for an adventure, Lucy enjoyed trips to California, Oklahoma, Hawaii, Japan, Hong Kong, and Cuba. Though dementia brought those happy days to a close, they were her deepest and longest lasting memories.

The family would like to express our deep gratitude to the staff of Riverwood Square where Lucy lived for nearly seven years, especially the extra attention extended by Manager Janice, and companions Florentina and Maria. We are also very grateful for the aids and nurses of Riverview Health Centre who looked after her in the last weeks of her life with care and compassion.

You were our Mom, our Nan, our friend, and the love that held our family together. We will miss you more than we can say.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at  Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street.

Wieczna Pamiec