NORWICH – Doris P. Houck, 85, formerly of Norwich and Sherburne, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday evening, July 5, 2007, at the New York State Veterans’ Home of Oxford, where she had made her home for the past 3 years.
Born Jan. 13, 1922 in Oaksville, N.Y., Doris was the daughter of Earl and Ethel (Turner) Bishop, Sr. At an early age, Doris moved with her family to Oxford where she grew up, attending and graduating from the Oxford schools. On Feb. 17, 1940, in Oxford she married E. Lee Houck, who passed away Nov. 17, 1993. Following her marriage, Doris and her husband moved to Norwich where they made their home until moving to Sherburne in 1992.
Known as a woman who was not afraid of hard work, Doris truly enjoyed helping others, a trait which led to the nursing career which spanned from the World War II era until her retirement in the late 1960s. For over 25 of these years she worked as an LPN at the Chenango Memorial Hospital.
Doris’ family was her life. Her grandchildren adored her as she adored them. She enjoyed the outdoors, was a lover of nature, and had maintained many gardens from which she would freeze and can many of the vegetables. Doris enjoyed camping throughout the Northeast, especially Bar Harbor, Maine and Bowman Lake. In keeping with her love of nature, she was especially fond of frogs. Her vast collection, accumulated over the years, included stuffed frogs, wind chimes, knick knacks etc.
A long-time member of the Bible Baptist Church of Norwich, Doris had taught Sunday School and had remained very active over the years.
Doris’ family wants to thank the staff of the New York State Veterans’ Home for their love, support and kindness during her years there, not only to Doris but to the entire family, for this was truly her home.
Doris is survivied by her children: Edwin Lee Houck II and his wife Beverley of Guilford, Gary E. Houck of Norwich, Gordon D. Houck and his wife Karen of England, and Charene Price and her husband Philip of Sherburne; her grandchildren: Edwin Houck III, Debbie Meyers, Bonnie Thomas, Guy Houck, Bobbi Jo Houck, Shawn and Terry Houck, Chad, Eric and Amy Houck, Philip J. Price II, and Shelly Wyman. Also surviving are 25 great grandchildren, five great, great grandchildren, and her two former daughters-in-law, Mary Houck of Florida and Sandy Moore of Norwich. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Besides her husband Lee, Doris was predeceased by her brothers Charles, Earl and Larry Bishop.
Funeral services for Doris will be held at noon Thursday from the Bible Baptist Church of Norwich. The Rev. Ralph Hinman, pastor, will officiate. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at noon. Interment will follow in the North Norwich Cemetery.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Bible Baptist Church, 23 Birdsall St. Norwich, NY 13815. Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.