Obituary of Lillian Houghtaling

On Friday March 11,2011, at Ferncliff Nursing Home in Rhinebeck, New York, the angels called home to heaven the sweet and gentle soul of Lillian Houghtaling. Adored and deeply loved by her seven children, eight grandchildren, three sons- in-law, daughter-inlaw and great grandson, Lillian's vocation in this life was wife and mother. She passed on to her children and grandchildren her talent in art and love of reading. Lillian was constant in her devotion and love for her husband, her Roman Catholic faith, and her family. Lillian was bom October 7,1928, in Kingston, New York, the eldest daughter of John William Gleason and Lillian Teetsel Gleason. She was a beloved sister to Marilyn (Edwin "Biggie") Moran and John (Jeanine)Gleason. She was a magna cum laude graduate of Kingston High School, Class of 1946,where she was art editor of the yearbook. Lillian attended the New Paltz State Teacher's College, now know as SUNY New Paltz. She worked for several years in the late 1940's and early 1950's as a telephone operator for New York Telephone in Poughkeepsie. In her later years she worked at Concept One in the City of Poughkeepsie. On December 17,1950, Lillian married the love of her life, William John Houghtaling at St. Mary's Church in Poughkeepsie. He preceded her in death on January 31,1991. Surviving are their seven devoted children and spouses: Christina Houghtaling, Maureen Houghtaling, Virginia "Ginger" Whiteley and her husband Noel, William John Houghtaling III and his wife Anne Dexter, Diane Houghtaling, Rosemary Farrell and her husband Thomas, and Susan Morano and her husband Anthony. Also surviving are her beloved grandchildren: Nicholas Whiteley and his wife Sharon Nichols Whiteley, Daniel Whiteley and his wife Danielle Mollica Whiteley, Ryan Farrell and Erin Farrell, Vincent Morano, Antonia Morano, Diana Morano and Giovanni Morano and her great grandson, Dominick Daniel Whiteley. Left to cherish fond memories are brother- and sister -in law Gerard and Virginia Houghtaling and 8 nieces and4 nephews. Mom's smile will be forever cherished by her family. It could light up a room and comfort and melt your heart. Mom, your children are grateful for your gift of faith, your grace, your beauty and your undying, unconditional love for us. Mom, we sing these words with you now and take comfort in them: "Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on) let me stand, Through the storm, through the night, Lead me on, to the light, Take my handpreciousLord, lead me home." Lillian's family wishes to thank Father Innocent of the Church of the Good Shepard in Rhinebeck and Dr. Doris Hayes, the pastoral staff, and each nursing shift on Unit 28 at Femcliff Nursing Home for their respectful and attentive care during our mother's final hours. Calling hours will be held Monday March 14, 2011 from 4pm to 8pm at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home 371 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be said 10am Tuesday March 15, 2011 at St. Marys Church Poughkeepsie. Burial will follow at St. Peters Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of the Poughkeepsie Public Library District or St. Jude's Children Research Hospital.