Patricia “Pat” Houghton Greene died on June 7 after a brief struggle with cancer and a long struggle with bronchiectasis and other lung issues. She was born on April 12, 1941, in Fort Fairfield, the daughter of Thomas and Antoria (Rosen) Houghton.
Pat graduated from Fort Fairfield High School in 1959 and received a B.S. degree in home economics education from the University of Maine in 1963. She obtained an M.S. in child development and family relationships at the Penn State University in 1965 after which she was employed by Penn State working on a joint project with the U.S. Office of Education. The project involved developing a curriculum guide to be used in training teachers of the Head Start program. During this time Pat met George who was a grad student at Penn State, and they were married in 1966.
She taught preschool classes at the Penn State Child Development Laboratory and at Menallen Friends School in Biglerville, Pa. Pat received an MEd degree in special education from Shippensburg University in 1989 and spent most of her remaining teaching career as a special education preschool teacher in Pennsylvania. Teaching was her passion and she was most comfortable around young children whom she loved dearly.
Pat was an active member of Zion United Church of Christ in Arendtsville, Pa. and later a member of the Edgecomb Community Church, assisting with church suppers and volunteering her services whenever possible. Pat enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing, and knitting, but her greatest pleasure came from being with family. She especially enjoyed being with her granddaughter, Grace, with whom she had a very special relationship. She also had a very close relationship with her daughter, Susan.
In addition to her parents, Pat was predeceased by her sister-in-law, Nancy Wood; and niece, Amy Winston. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, George; daughter, Susan; and granddaughter, Grace. She is also survived by her sister, Bonnie Winston; half-sister, Carolyn (Carlson) Williams; brothers, Thomas “Tim” Houghton III and John (Margaret) Houghton; nieces, Timberly Sweeney and Kari Williams; nephews, Bruce Houghton, Thomas Houghton IV, Ryan Houghton, Peter Wood, Timothy Wood, and Mark Williams. In addition, she is survived by several cousins.
George and Pat had only one biological daughter. However, in 1974 Sharon Griest Ballen came to live with them when her dad died. Sharon became the older sister Susan never had and remains a very important part of our family. Her visits have meant a great deal to Pat.
A service will be held at Edgecomb Community Church on Tuesday, June 25 at 11 a.m. with a reception in fellowship hall to follow.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Edgecomb Community Church or National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson St., Denver, CO 80206 – a leading respiratory hospital where Pat received treatment.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hall Funeral Home, Waldoboro. To extend online condolences, light a candle for Pat or to share a story or photo, please visit Pat’s book of memories at hallfuneralhomes.com.
