Eleitha A Houghton (Fries)

On January 28, 2016, the World lost, and the Heavens gained, a truly kind and gentle soul. Eleitha "Lee" Rose Houghton (nee Fries) joined her loving husband of 45 years after a short but devastating illness. She was 91 years young; we will miss your graciousness and smile. Lee was born to Rose (Hayes) and Leland Fries in Schenectady. Lee was raised in Schenectady, attending schools and working her first jobs here. Lee worked at Woolworth's, GE, YM & YWCAs. After a short time in Carthage, she settled in the Schenectady area, where she raised her family; the "career" she truly loved and excelled at. Lee began her journey with Christ as a young child; a path she traveled her whole life. She found her spiritual home at Bellevue Reformed Church 65 years ago. She loved worshipping at BRC and her many friends there. Over her life, she was involved in teaching Sunday School, Youth Fellowship, Women's Circle, Choir, Church dinners and garage sales, "The Clothing Room", and her favorite "The Rolled Stone". Eleitha was predeceased by her husband, Earl O. Houghton (married in 1945); her parents, Rose and Leland Fries; one sister, Ethel (Nick) Collard DeMarco; and one brother, Robert (Helen) Fries. She is survived by her two cherished children Christine (William) Krone of Florida and Keith (Kate) Houghton of Schenectady; her beloved granddaughters Amanda and Tara (Alisabeth) Houghton, all of Schenectady; her great grandson Nathan and great granddaughters Cadence and Aimee, also of Schenectady; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, here and across the north country. She also leaves behind two dear friends: Betty VanDyke (friends since 6th grade) and Florence Snell (who introduced Earl and Lee, oh so many years ago.) Relatives and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Wednesday morning February 3rd at 11 am at Bond Funeral Home, Broadway & Guilderland Avenue, Schenectady, NY. A visitation for Lee will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday evening February 2nd from 7 to 9 pm . Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, and donations, are asked to be sent to Bellevue Reformed Church in Schenectady.