Margaret Houck

Margaret “Maggie or Mags” (Winterbottom) Houck, age 84, of Spring, Texas, died peacefully early Thursday morning, March 24, 2022. Born June 13, 1937, in Manchester, England. She was preceded in death by her parents Samuel Winterbottom and Harriet May (Woodruff) Winterbottom.

As one who was always up for an adventure Maggie truly lived her life to the fullest. In her early twenties she left England to begin a career in Chicago, Illinois, as a secretary and later establishing residence in Boston, Massachusetts’s working for a travel agency.

Maggie met her husband Paul John “Jack” Houck, an officer in the United States Navy, in a bar, which later transpired into two children while living overseas in Spain. She gave birth to a third child after relocating to Baytown, Texas. Her family later moved to Enid, Oklahoma before her husband’s employment moved her family across the world to the Hunan Province of China. Her family returned to the United States and resided in West Milford, New Jersey. The time lived in West Milford were some of Maggie’s most memorable and cherished times with lasting friendships. After 9 years her family was transferred to Spring, Texas where she would happily reside for 32 years. Maggie became a United States citizen in 2003 but she always remained proud and true to her British heritage.

She was most fulfilled being a mother and grandmother and truly enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Maggie was a great listener in conversation, had an enjoyable sense of humor and cheerful laugh that was fun to be around.

Maggie always looked forward to attending celebrations for family and friends and was no stranger to a dance floor or a celebratory cocktail. She loved watching sports on tv but especially loved baseball season and supported the NY Mets until later establishing a love for her hometown team the Houston Astros. She also enjoyed watching Wimbledon, the US Open Tennis and Villanova basketball each year.

As a competitive person, she enjoyed many years playing tennis for Memorial Northwest in the Houston Northwest and Jack Rabbit leagues. She loved gardening and flower design and served as the President of the Memorial Northwest Lady Bugs Garden Club. She enjoyed cooking, traveling, playing bunco, going out to dinner with her friends and hosting gatherings for friends and family.

Maggie is survived by her three children: eldest son Paul Gregory “Greg” Houck and wife Claudia; daughter Vanessa Houck; son Patrick Houck and partner Jeremiah Botchlet; her dog Webster Houck and many nieces, nephews, and family members. She was a beloved grandma to her two beautiful granddaughters Madison Houck and Riley Houck and three grand-dogs Scarlett Johanssen Houck, Connery Harris Houck and Hana Houck and grand-cat Hula Houck.

Her passion for animals was evident in her love and kindness to all animals. She was a continuous supporter to various animal rescues specifically the Houston SPCA. In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Maggie, donations may be made to the Houston SPCA. Donations will help provide the gift of life to animals in need. You may make your donation and honor Maggie at the following address: act.houstonspca.org or contact [email protected] . Please provide Maggie’s name as the Honoree Name.

Maggie was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

A mass will be held at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church at 11:00am on Saturday, April 23, 2022, located at 7810 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX 77379.

Visitation with the family will be held one hour prior to the mass. A Celebration of Life is planned for family and friends following the service.