Lt. Col. Jean Houghton (ANC, Ret.) - Of Needham, passed away on December 4, 2008 at the age of 84, peacefully surrounded by her loving family.
Jean graduated as a Registered Nurse from St. Margaret’s Hospital in Dorchester and later received her Master’s Degree at the University of Colorado.
In the United States, Lt. Col. Houghton served at Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Brook Army (SRN); Fitzsimmons General Hospital; Ireland Army Hospital; Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, where she received the Meritorious Service Medal ANC; and Fort Devens, where she received The Legion Merit for “Unsurpassed Leadership and Administrative Skills.”
In Asia she served at the 121st Evacuation Hospital in Korea; the U.S. Army Hospital, Camp Zama, Japan; and the 36 Evac Hospital, Republic Vietnam, where she received the Bronze Medal for “Meritorious Achievement against Hostile Forces.”
In Europe she served at the 98th General Hospital, Germany; the 34th General – France; and the 279th Station Hospital, Berlin.
Closer to home, Jean gave herself in love and generosity to four generations of family and friends as well as contributing to many organizations, including the Needham Korean War Memorial Committee, the Needham American Legion Post # 14, Life Member of the Needham V.F.W. Post 2498, Disabled American Veterans, Needham Historical Society, Army Nurse Corps Assoc., 36th Evac Hospital Assoc. and others.
Lt. Col. Jean Houghton served her first 28 years of life nurturing her siblings and her mother. Then she went to serve her country for the next 28 years. The last 28 years of her retirement she continued to serve veterans organizations and family. 28, 28, 28 equals 84 years of serving her country and family to the fullest.
Daughter of the late Cmdr. C. Charles Houghton and Florence M. (Eckerstrom) Houghton. Sister of Lawrence B. Houghton Sr. and his wife Dolores of Jupiter, FL and Virginia H. Tierney and her late husband Joseph of Waltham. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home 1305 Highland Ave., NEEDHAM, Tuesday at 8 AM. Funeral mass in St. Joseph’s Church, Needham, at 9 AM. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours Monday 4-8 PM. Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery, Needham. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Jean’s memory to the charity of your choice. Parking area adjacent to funeral home.