Helen D. Houston, of Bellvale, died peacefully at Orange Regional Medical Center surrounded by family members on November 27, 2013. She was 90 years old. The daughter of Fred Dennis DeGraw and Josephine Frederica Batz, Helen was born on December 20, 1922 in Bellvale, New York.
Helen married John W. Houston of Bellvale on March 10, 1946 in Bellvale. John predeceased her on October 20, 2011.
Helen worked in the U.S. Army Finance Office at Fort Belvoir, Virginia during World War II. She was instrumental in organizing the turkey suppers at the Bellvale United Methodist Church, delivered Meals on Wheels, and was a member of the Sugar Loaf United Methodist Church Crafters for many years.
Helen is survived by her son Tony Houston and wife Sharon Houston of Bellvale; grandchildren Matthew Houston and wife Maryann of Edenville, Aaron Houston and wife Lisa of Piscataway, NJ, and Jennifer Houston and David Gattuso of Warwick; great grandchildren Brittany, Garett and Natalie; several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband of 65 years, Helen was predeceased by her daughter Carol Houston, her daughter Pamela Houston, and Pamela’s husband Richard C. Williamson.
A memorial service will be held at the Sugar Loaf United Methodist Church, 1387 Kings Highway, Sugar Loaf, NY at 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 8.
The Houston family sends special thanks to those who were Helen’s caregivers over the past years.