(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Mary Sue (Houghton) Erickson, 55, passed away peacefully on the evening of February 22nd, 2013 at her home in the presence of her beloved husband and four children.
Born on July 29, 1957, in Kenosha, WI, to Ralph and Jane Houghton, Mary lived a good and fruitful life and will always be remembered as someone who constantly encouraged and lead by example. A graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School she attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Mary met her loving husband and best friend of 24 years, James N. Erickson, while living in Kenosha. They were united in marriage on October 22, 1988.
After attending University of Wisconsin Whitewater, Mary earned a Certificate and license to teach birth to 4k education and eventually a certificate in preschool administration. Mary was a licensed pre-school teacher for 27 years in Kenosha, WI and ran a home daycare center for 11 years. In 1994 she was awarded “Pre-School Teacher of the Year” for the greater South-eastern Wisconsin area. She then worked as 3 and 4 year old teacher at Pleasant Prairie Renaissance School specializing in Reggio instruction. She eventually served as Director of Pleasant Prairie Renaissance School for 6 years before finally being employed by the Kenosha Unified as an educator at the Chavez Center for learning.
She was an avid supporter of fine arts in the Kenosha Unified School system and served on the Band Boosters organization and as a Band chaperone for the better part of two decades. Mary also loved watching and attending Packer games with her husband and family. Over the course of their marriage Mary and Jim held many social events at their home as they loved to entertain and offer hospitality. In her later years Mary became quite the gardener and was always eager for spring so that she could begin her work! Above all else, Mary was love. Her faith in a promise after death gave her a joy and compassion that made even her last days seem like a celebration. The world had more joy because of Mary. Her memory will live on in every single person she encountered and she will always be remembered as someone who loved unconditionally.
Mary is survived by her loving mother, Jane Houghton of Kenosha, WI; her husband James Erickson; her children John ( Andrea ) Anderson, Andrew Anderson, Janelle Erickson (Nate Buchholz), Julie Erickson, and her soon to be born grandsons, Johnathon Joseph Michael Anderson and Owen Ross Anderson. She is also survived by her siblings, John ( Janey ) Houghton, David ( Koreen ) Houghton, Kathy Spiro, and Steve Houghton.
Visitation with the family will be held from 1:00-2:00 pm. Followed by a Memorial service at Crossway Community Church at 13905 – 75th St., Bristol, WI on Saturday March 2nd at 2:00 p.m. There will be a short reception immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Erickson family would be appreciated.
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Christy Spiro Robinson says:
John and I fell in love with sweet beautiful Mary on our many visits to Gaithersburg. John loved her family and we enjoyed football games. She came to help take care of Kathy’s husband Johnny (our little brother) during his ALS illness. She is in heaven now and I am sure Johnny and Mary are laughing and singing! Prayers and good thoughts to family and friends. May her memory be eternal.
Pam (Skowronski) Anderson says:
When I think of Mary, she brings nothing but great stories, memories and smiles. I am one of the thousands of Kenosha band kids who continues to benefit from those terrific times in Rambler and Bradford Bands. Marching, drills, concerts, parades, bus trips, Ice Cream Social in the Houghton’s back yard, Band-O-Rama at Bradford (now Reuther), crazy/terrific chaperones ….. All gifts from Mr. and Mrs. Houghton. And little Mary, the smiling, tenacious little girl with the ‘can do’ attitude that could hold her own in any situation.
We will all miss you, Mary. God’s love, strength and blessing to your family.
Love you,
Pam Skowronski
Mary Spiro says:
We met Miss Mary only a few times but she impressed us with her wit and humor. Blessings to the Erickson and Houghton families and to her friends for this loss.
Stephanie and Tom Frohne says:
We are glad that Mary crossed our paths in life. Her bright spirit was pure joy and love. Her children and soon her grandchildren will carry that same love of life and joy into the lives of others they meet. What better legacy for Mary to leave.
Peace be with all who mourn but at the same time celebrate this beautiful womans life.
Steph and Tom Frohne
Irene Buswell Niccolai says:
My deepest condolescences and prayers to Jim and the Houghton and Erickson Families. It is an honor to be one of Mary’s high school classmates and a pleasure to have known her. May her wonderful memories see all of you through.
Irene Buswell Niccolai
Kristy Cox DelCid says:
I am so sorry, I will not be able to attend the funeral. Miss Mary taught both my girls at Pleasant Prairie Renaissance School. They both loved her dearly and it was always a great comfort knowing they were in good hands.
Mary’s faith has been so strong during all of this and she was such a great example of how our faith should be. We should thank the Lord for our trials and what we learn from them, and she did that. No matter what came her way, she knew God would get her through it.
My children and I love Mary dearly and will miss her so much.
May God give your family peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Kristy Cox DelCid
Elysa Fraher says:
I am so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. I can hear her laughter as I write this. She will be missed and remembered so fondly.
Condolences to the family. May your fond memories of Mary help you through this difficult time.
Lysa (Becker) Fraher
Pete & Debbie Pingitore says:
We were surprised and very saddened to hear of Mary’s passing. She was one of the sweetest and gentlest souls ever. Our condolences to Dave & Koreen, and the entire Houghton Family. With this note comes our prayer that our mutual Lord and Savior will grant you all His peace at this difficult time.
Pete & Debbie Pingitore