Maureen Lilian Houghton

Maureen Lilian Houghton, 77, passed away on February 2, 2014, at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque. Her immediate family was with her at her bedside. Maureen was a native of Coventry, England, born to William Alfred Timms and Lilian Timms on July 30, 1936. Surviving the bombings of Coventry during World War II, she grew up in that city of her beloved homeland of England, losing her mother when she was 15 years old. Her natural beauty and sweet demeanor gifted her with the honor of being named "Miss Coventry" and "Carnival Pageant Queen of Coventry". Moving to the United States in 1962 with her new family, she settled in New Mexico as a military wife in Clovis, Roswell, and Albuquerque, adopting her new country and becoming a US citizen. She was devoted to her country and gave over 40 years of service to the United States, employed with the Army Air Force Exchange Service, starting as a sales clerk in 1966 and eventually becoming the Director of Human Resources AAFES, Kirtland AFB, NM, in 1972, retiring in January, 2008. Maureen is remembered for her sweetness and gentle demeanor, always considerate of another's well- being over her own. Happy and content with the life she had, she was always able to enjoy a hearty laugh with family and friends, a glass of white wine, Academy soccer games with nephew Coach Pete and family on the sidelines, Isotopes Baseball - every home game, the company of dogs, the Dolphins and Broncos, the Magic of Disneyworld, the company and delight of her granddaughter, and especially the gathering of family over Christmas and holidays. Her sweet smile and gleeful laugh endear our hearts with the appreciation of the priceless simple pleasures in life, as Maureen was the personification of gentleness, generosity, and kindness to everyone she encountered. She is survived by her husband, Drue M. Houghton of Albuquerque; her sister, Margaret Timms Clinch of Albuquerque; daughter, Terry E. McCormick, and her husband John; granddaughter, Rachel M. McCormick of Albuquerque; loving family members, Paul E. Bish and his wife Geneva of Albuquerque; nephew, Peter J. Clinch and his wife Arlene of Albuquerque; her niece, Tracy Delarosa and her husband Art of San Diego, CA; her niece, Wendy Harms and her husband Ian of Laguna Nigel, CA; her nephew, Kevin W. Clinch and his wife Elena, of Coventry, England; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who have been so close to her, cared deeply for her, and whom she loved dearly. A memorial service will be held Friday, February 7, 2014, at 3:00 PM, at Sandia Presbyterian Church, 10704 Paseo del Norte, Albuquerque, 87122, (505)856-5040. A brief reception will follow at the church. Family will gather privately in the evening. Please make memorial donations in honor of Maureen to the project to which she has so generously given, the Wounded Warrior Project, , 877-832-6997. FRENCH - Wyoming 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400