Mary Houghton, 79, passed away quietly on November 24, 1998, after a long illness.
Mary was born March 30, 1919, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was the daughter of Elma Pinnock and George H. Houghton. Mary's childhood was not easy. She suffered from many allergy-related health problems, including severe hearing loss. Mary attended public schools in Salt Lake City, including East High where she was a member of the Leaders Club, graduating in 1936. She enrolled at the University of Utah, where she became one of the early members of the fledgling Lambda Delta Sigma. Mary graduated from the U in 1940, with a BS degree in medical technology.It was toward the end of World War II when Mary met and married James Watkins, a serviceman stationed in Salt Lake City, and moved with him to North Carolina. When the marriage ended, Mary remained in North Carolina for a time, working as a medical technologist for hospitals in the Winston-Salem and Raleigh-Durham areas. When her mother's health declined, Mary returned to Salt Lake City to be nearby. Following Elma's death Mary moved to Southern California, entered UCLA and earned a degree in occupational therapy. She was a therapist for several years in California and in Utah, before changing careers once again and worked as a technical draftsperson until her retirement.
Mary was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and accepted many responsible callings in that organization. She often said that her most satisfying calling was that of stake special interest leader, a position that she held for some time. She was a very talented artist, spending many hours in the creation of lovely items in knitting, embroidery, and weaving, working on a full-size loom. Many aunts, cousins and friends were recipients of her beautiful work. She loved history and genealogy and spent hours finding and collecting records that resulted in the submission of numerous names for temple work. In addition to being a member of several professional associations, her love for history and genealogy lead to her active and enthusiastic participation in the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Mary is survived by many loyal friends and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at the Larkin Mortuary, 260 E. South Temple, on Tuesday, Dec. 1st, at 11 a.m. Friends and family may call at the mortuary an hour before the services. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the LDS Family History Department. Interment Salt Lake City Cemetery.
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