Bernice Houghton

Bernice “Tiny” Houghton, of Skaneateles, passed away Saturday, May 7, 2016, at the Commons on St. Anthony, Auburn.  Born on June 9, 1931, in Alexandria Bay, N.Y., she was the 10th child of 14 children of George and Ola (Wood) Lowe.  She was a child of the Depression, teen during the war years and young wife and mother during the 1950s.  She married her childhood sweetheart, George Houghton, who grew up across the street from her in Alexandria Bay, and together they raised four children in the village of Skaneateles.  Community members, along with Tiny and George, created and volunteered as EMTs for SAVES, the local ambulance service. In addition, Tiny was very active in the United Methodist Church, the Skaneateles Figure Skating Club, Home Bureau, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and costume committee member for the Skaneateles Dance Program. As a nurse, she was employed by the Auburn Memorial Hospital and upon her retirement, she compassionately cared for patients in the Cayuga County Hospice program. In later years, she worked for the Board of Elections as well as volunteered for Laker Limo.  Tiny enjoyed the company of many, many friends, especially her “group” that gathered weekly for dinner and never missed a summer band concert in the park.
Tiny is predeceased by George, who passed in December, 1996.  She is also predeceased by 11 of her siblings.
Tiny is survived by her two sons, George Jr. and his wife, Ingrid, of Skaneateles, Dwayne of Marcellus, and two daughters, Deborah and her husband, James Sponaugle, of Cortland, and Tina and her husband, Kenneth Ward of Auburn.  Tiny’s grandchildren include Amanda Bishop, Jamison Sponaugle and wife Keri of Cortland, Kory Sponaugle and wife Ashley of Camillus, Kyle Houghton and wife Carolyn Roman of Seattle, Washington, Gwendolyn Kirsten Maesano and husband Michael, Robyn Ward of Auburn, Alex Woodlief of New York City and Alexis Hougthon of Baldwinsville.  Great-grandchildren include, Aiden Sponaugle, Emma Sponaugle, Maddie Maesano, and a new arrival expected in August.  She is also survived by her sister, Audrey Rock of Central Square, her brother, Kenneth Lowe, of San Antonio, Texas as well as over 60 nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great- nephews.
Per Tiny’s request, there will be no calling hours and graveside services will be private.  The family would like to invite friends and family to a reception at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at the Skaneateles United Methodist Church, Jordan Street.  Contributions may be made to the River Hospital, 4 Fuller Street, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607 or SAVES Ambulance Service, 77 Fennell Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152. To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.