Dorothy Houden

Dorothy Jean (Corcoran) Houden, 91, of Madison, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2018 at Attic Angels. She was born on July 4th, 1927 in Madison, Wi, the second of six children, to Richard and Marie Corcoran in Madison. After much persistence, she agreed to marry Richard A. (Dick) Houden on May 14, 1949, as long as she could continue to pursue her nursing career. Richard was the love of her life.

During high school, Dorothy worked as a live in maid, cook, and laundress outside of her home to help out her family and to save money for college. She graduated from West High School in Madison,WI and graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Madison with a degree in Nursing. She was a lifelong advocate and servant of those who suffered. Dorothy took additional training in alcohol detoxification and became an Alcohol Treatment Specialist for the Bureau of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse, Department of Health and Social Services for the State of Wisconsin. She worked at REBOS, an alcohol detox center, from 1974-1979 where she was presented with the first Board of Trustees Award for providing exceptional service in the healthcare field to the citizens of Dane County.

Dorothy and Richard enjoyed a beautiful, adventurous life together, raising seven children, traveling the world, staying at their beloved Anvil House in the U.P. where she served on the ski patrol at Big Powderhorn Mountain, and spending time at their cabin in Stone Lake, WI on Little Sissabagama. Being with family brought Dorothy tremendous joy. She possessed a deep faith in God. Dorothy maintained a household while also working outside the home. Dorothy always found time and energy to share and revel in what the world had to offer with her children. Dorothy was in constant motion with a quick laugh to share, both good attributes to have with seven children and their visiting friends. She firmly believed in social justice instilling the belief in her children that everyone should have the opportunity to live their life to the fullest.

Dorothy delighted in spending time with her lifelong friends: the Taylors, Bennetts, and Mellis. She welcomed anyone who needed a hospitable meal and the warmth of a loving family into her kitchen. The Houden home was always a healthy vibrant buzz of activity.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Houden, (1919-2012), her brother, Richard Corcoran Jr., and her three sisters: Dolores Klinefelter, Rose Bergenske, and Alice Yost.

Dorothy is survived by her seven children, eighteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren: daughter Linda (Jerry) Houden of Minneapolis, MN and step-daughter Nicole (Frank) Machado, (Antony and Jaxson); son Richard G. (Margaret) Houden of Atlanta, GA and step-daughters Anna (Cooper) Cauthen Bradley and Caroline Cauthen; daughter Deborah (Ralph) Stamler of Madison, WI and daughters Jennifer (Jeffrey) Lindner (Abigail, Alden, and Peter), and Megan (Jack) Tillman (Teagan and Tatum); son Christopher (Debra) Houden of Madison, WI and children Christopher (Morgan) Houden (Elizabeth), Anna, and Henry; son Jeffrey (D. Ann) Houden, of Siesta Key, FL and children Jordan and Justin, step-children Zach, Jacob, and Breanna McNally; Timothy (Susan) Houden of Ogden, UT and children Benjamin and Ella; Paul (Amy) Houden of Middleton, WI and children Payton and Avery. Dorothy is also survived by her brother James Corcoran, and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison, on Saturday, July 21, at 10:00am. Visitation will precede the Mass at starting at 9:00am at St. Thomas.

Memorials may be made to the UW School of Nursing, UW Alzheimer Research Center, or UW Cardiovascular Research Center. The Houden family wishes to thank those who have given their love and support to their mother. A very special appreciation goes out to the nurses and staff of Attic Angels along with her special friend Vicki, who cared for Dorothy during her final years. Dorothy will be deeply missed by her family and many others she has touched. Enjoy your next great adventure Mom!

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434