Mary Jean Houde

Mary Jean Houde, age 87, of Lombard and formerly of Kankakee, died Thursday, November 20, 2014 at Sunrise at Fountain Square in Lombard. She was born February 6, 1927 in Chicago, the daughter of Edmund & Muriel Staples Mailloux. Mary Jean’s early education was in Chicago and Kankakee. She attended Eureka College, majoring in journalism. After which, she had a very full professional career and was a very active volunteer in both national and local organizations. She was a newspaper reporter and section editor for 20 years at the Kankakee Daily Journal. She worked for many years at Sears Roebuck & Co. as a Media Relations Manager. She previously served as National Director of Women’s Programs and Community Relations Manager in the Public Affairs Department. She was the author of published books, articles, and brochures on history, leadership, and community development. This includes a history of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, titled, “Reaching Out” and a history book on the Illinois Federation of Women’s Clubs. She co-authored with Jack Klasey “Of the People,” the history of Kankakee County. She was very involved in the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), serving as Illinois State Junior Director and as President of the Illinois Federation of Women’s Clubs. She served on many executive committees and on the International GFWC Board of Directors. Most recently, she lived in Lisle, and was Membership Director and Historian for the Lisle area Chamber of Commerce. Her hobbies included travel, historical research, genealogy, writing, and snow skiing. She especially enjoined spending time with her family. She was a dignified lady with a great spirit. She was married to Thomas R. Houde, State Representative. He preceded her in death in 1972. Surviving are one daughter and son-in-law, Linda & Vern Marquie of Bourbonnais; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Jackie & George Neuman of Huntington Beach, CA and Pat Weber of Indio, CA; two grandchildren, Ryan & Kristen Marquie of Lisle, and Craig & Kelly Marquie of Elmhurst; and two great grandchildren, Christopher Marquie and Easton Marquie. She was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Monday at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, Bourbonnais where funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Deacon Patrick Skelly will officiate. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery, Bourbonnais. Memorials may be made to the family wishes.

Mary Jean Houde

February 6, 1927 - November 20, 2014