Age 93, Luray, Va.
Patricia “Pat” Houghton Dougans, 93, of Luray, Va. died peacefully on June 18, 2023 surrounded by her beloved caregivers at Skyview Springs.
She understood, through the grace of God, that the value of charity could change a person’s life and allow her fellow human beings to be heard. Pat was personally invested in helping others, using her generous heart and steadfastly sharp mind until her last breath. She provided monetary help for people in Page County to escape abusive relationships, gave to hungry students in Stanley, and furnished education for Virginia’s teenage foster children. By providing support through volunteerism and mentorship, she brought incredible potential to hundreds in need.
Pat’s luminous charisma created a family of friends great and small, particularly for the catchy and loving nicknames she gave to those she adored. Pat was a devoted dog lover to her late rescue canines Rufus, Barney, Snuffy and Gruffy. Any conversation with her would bring out someone’s inner sunshine. There is no doubt that her stairway to heaven was the fastest escalator God had in inventory. The Page County community has lost her fierce positivity with her passing.
Born in Boston on December 30, 1929, Pat was raised in Weston, MA. She was the great-granddaughter of Henry O. Houghton, founder of the Houghton Mifflin Company. Additionally, she was the elder child of the late Marcia (Clark) and Henry O. Houghton II.
In her early years, Pat grew up loving ballet and ballroom dancing. She graduated from the Beaver Country Day School in Chestnut Hill, MA in 1947, and immediately started a career at General Electric. She left Massachusetts for Washington, D.C. at the age of 21 and became a secretary at the U.S. Department of State in 1951, allowing her to travel to Cairo, Damascus, Jordan, Beirut, and the pink beaches of Bermuda.
In her golden years, she reveled in the scenic views of Luray and the Page Valley from the front porch of her mountain home. Her happiest moments were spent walking her beloved Jack Russell terrier, Rufus, on the Luray Hawksbill Greenway. She enjoyed the tranquility of reading, especially during Christmas, surrounded by the twinkling lights on her mantle and Christmas tree.
Pat was preceded in death by her husband of 22 years, Curtis Hoover Dougans of Luray, Va.; her brother, Harry Houghton; and her sister-in-law, Delorise Dougans. Her loving memory will be cherished and sustained by her nieces Marion Johnson, Conchita Fielding, Jacqui Dougans, as well as other of Dougans’ nieces and nephews. Additional survivors include her sister-in-law Jeanette Houghton, niece Holles Swindell and nephew Henry Houghton III.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Bethel Baptist Church, 18 Carillon Drive, Luray, Va. on Saturday, July 1, 2023 at 11 a.m., with Pastor Stephanie Callwood officiating.
It is only fitting with the publishing legacy that ran through Pat’s veins, that memorials should be considered to her favorite place in downtown Luray, the Page Public Library at 100 Zerkel St., Luray, VA 22835. Her memory would also be honored by a donation to her charity of choice, Choices of Page County at 216 W.
Main St., Luray, VA 22835.
Arrangements are being handled by The Bradley Funeral Home in Luray, Va.
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