AUBURN – Shirley E. Houghton, 81, of Turner died Saturday, May 12, at the Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice.

She was born the daughter of the late Charles and Gertrude Tallent Barlow. She was married Dec. 15, 1945, to her high school sweetheart, Robert C. Houghton and they were married for 61 years. He predeceased her Feb. 24, 2006. Prior to her retirement, she was employed as a secretary for the Auburn School Department for more than 25 years.

She was a member of Sixth Street Congregational Church, United Commercial Travelers and the “Thursday Girls.” She had enjoyed camping, dancing, needlepoint and attending church suppers, being with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was an avid reader. She also enjoyed the companionship of her cat, Buttons and her dog, Half-Pint.

She is survived by a daughter, Joan Stasulis, and husband, Larry, of Vermont; a son, Rick Houghton, and wife, Linda, of Turner; three grandchildren, Vicki Demag, Keri and Matthew Stasulis, all of Vermont; two great-grandchildren, Paul and Jake Demag of Vermont; a brother, Arthur Barlow, and wife, Lee, of Lowell, Mass.; and many nieces and nephews.

Her family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Austin and the entire staff at the Hospice House for their loving care of Shirley and her family.