Marianne Houghton

Marianne Elizabeth Houghton, of Medina, Ohio, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025, from a short battle with cancer.

Marianne was born in Bedford, Ohio to Irwin (Buzz) Houghton and Mary (nee Reimold) Houghton (both deceased) on December 12, 1944.

Marianne grew up in Bedford and after high school, she attended Theil College in Pennsylvania where she earned a Bachelor of Education degree. She began her teaching career in Pittsburgh and continued her education attaining a Master of Education from The University of Pittsburgh. After finishing her advanced degree, she returned to Bedford where she would spend the next 25 years teaching both middle school English and elementary education with the Bedford City Schools. She retired in 1991 and went on to enjoy a fulfilling life with friends and family.

Marianne was much more than a classroom teacher. She was a teacher to everyone she met. Her wisdom, thoughtfulness, and ability to see the good in everyone was her great strength. She never met a stranger. It did not matter from what walk of life someone came. She knew just what to say to encourage, rebuke with love, guide and above all, laugh. Marianne is profoundly missed by many.

She would say her greatest achievement was 30 years of sobriety; a badge she wore with honor. The Brookdale Women's AA Group in Akron miss her every day, and especially on Friday morning at the Bake Shop in Ghent. Before moving to Medina, Marianne was a fixture for over 30 years on Mayfield Avenue in West Akron. She knew every family on the street, and she was deeply loved. Akron always held a special place in her heart.

Marianne leaves behind her sister, Tressa (Don) Mathews. Nephews, Ryan (Anne) Mathews, Lee (Jennifer) Mathews, their children, Rowan, Ada, and Lincoln; Niece, Heather (Andrew) Mathews-Otwell, and their daughter, Hazel. Cousins, Virginia D'Eramo and Bill Reimold. Stepdaughter, Betsy (Brian) Vanderpool, grandchildren; Christopher (Lynette), Katherine (Elliott) King, and Benjamin Vanderpool. In addition, three great-grandchildren, Caroline and Caleb King, and Audrey Vanderpool. The vast number of dear friends who miss her is extensive.

The family would like to thank Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital for their wonderful care, the Palliative care team, Grace Medina East Church and the overwhelming number of loving friends who kept vigil as she took her final breath.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, July 5 at 1:00 pm at the Sharon Town Hall in Sharon Center.