1946 – 2014
Woodstock – Doris I. Houghton, 68, died Thursday, April 10, 2014 in Day Kimball Hospital surrounded by her loving family. Born in Providence, RI, she was the daughter of the late Donald E. Van Orden, Sr. and Norma P. (Ashton) Van Orden.
Doris always worked very hard to support her family, retiring due to illness in 1990 from her position as a Cost Accountant for State Mutual Life Insurance.
She had a generous and loving heart, profoundly impacting those she knew and loved.
She enjoyed helping people and was a wellspring of good advice. She also enjoyed following politics & current events, and was always up for a lively debate.
Doris is survived by her daughter, Darlene Selig of Danielson; grandchildren, John Douglas Selig of Somerville, MA and Ian R. Selig of Danielson; brothers, Donald Van Orden, Jr. of North Scituate, RI and John Van Orden and his wife Janice of North Providence, RI; sisters, Judith Kenney and her husband J. Ryder of Narragansett, RI, Phyllis Nathanson and her husband Morris of Providence, RI, Elizabeth Van Orden of Coventry, RI, and Norma P. Desjardin and her husband Philip of Southborough, MA. She is predeceased by her daughter Kathlene M. Houghton, son Douglas R. Houghton II, son-in-law John R. Selig, and former husband Doug R. Houghton. She also leaves behind a large extended family, including step-daughters, grandchildren, and nieces & nephews.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church Street, Putnam. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family in Acotes Hill Cemetery, 1049 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI 02814. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Judi Vertefeuille
Darlene , John & Ian, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom and Grandmom! Dorrie ( as I always knew her) was a wonderful person. I remember her always having her beautiful hair done in the latest style, her great sense of humor and her giving ways. You could hardly ever leave her home without some “to go”. RIP my friend and sister in law, ly judi
Gail Pierce
Darlene and Boys, Your mother, grandmother was a very sweet person and I was glad to have meet her. I’m sure she will be missed , but you have your beautiful memories to hold on to.
Love, Gail
Michelle Lavoie
My mom and us four kids moved to Florida to live with Aunt Dorrie and Uncle Dougie. This was before they had any kids.
Aunt Dorrie was soft spoken, not quiet just a gentle voice. She always looked beautiful and she always encouraged all of us. I think she just made you feel special.
She was smart and classy and strong. And when she had kids all of those things multiplied (and were passed on). I feel lucky to have had her for my aunt.
I’m sending heart to heart hugs and much love.
Linda B. Baxter
To the Family of Doris Houghton, I will miss seeing her.
We had identical Blue Volvo’s!!
Again my very sincere condolences to all.
Sincerely,
Linda Brook-Baxter
Linda B. Baxter
Again, my sincere sympathy to all.