Lori Houchen

Lori was born in Gail, Texas September 1935. She was raised by “adopted” Grandparents since she and her mother were abandoned by her father. In 1954, she and her family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where she enrolled in the University of Nebraska. While there she met Francis Houchen, her husband of 65 years. They started their family in Alma, Nebraska, where Francis began a six-year ministry. In 1966 the family returned to Lincoln where Lori finished her Bachelor of Arts degree.

In 1970 Lori and family moved to Kokomo, Indiana where Lori was employed by the Howard County Court to develop a Volunteer Probation Program for juvenile offenders. It was successful and well-received in giving young people a new chance of a better life.

In 1972 the family had a long-awaited opportunity to move to Colorado, settling in Lakewood and fulfilling the dream of living at the base of the glorious Rocky Mountains.

Lori was soon able to continue her career as Director of a Volunteer Probation Program for adult offenders in the First Judicial District Court. Later, she accepted a similar position for Lutheran Social Service.

Her final employment was as a Reservist for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), remaining in that position for twenty-five years. She responded to disasters though out the U.S. and the Caribbean region. Her last posting was after the September 11 attack in New York City.

Lori and her husband enjoyed their retirement involving activities with Saint John’s Cathedral and traveling abroad, including adventures by land and sea as well as travels in their motor home.

One of their most memorable retirement experiences occurred after Lori was released from duty on St. Thomas Island. Some years before, Lori and Francis had purchased a sailboat while briefly in Salt Lake City and received instruction sailing on the Great Salt Lake. Before leaving the Caribbean Lori chartered a sailboat in St. Thomas. The couple experienced 10 days of warm gentle water, and magnificent secluded beaches. All the while listening to the music of the steel drums from shore on warm, star lit nights, they rested quietly in the cockpit of the boat. The joyful memory never went away. Maybe Lori took it with her.

Lori is survived by her husband Francis. Additional family members include daughter Caroline, son in law Richard Panas, daughter in law Pattie Houchen, two remarkable granddaughters: Hayley Panas, and Kristie Filkin, spouse Curtis, as well as two delightful great grandchildren: Lillie and Paxton.

Lori will be laid to eternally rest with her son David on All Souls Walk, Saint John’s Cathedral.

Memorials may be given in Lori’s name to Canon Katie Pearson, Priest Discretionary Fund, at Saint John’s Cathedral.