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Jacquelin J. “Jackie” Houghtaling, age 89, of Portage, died Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at her residence at Bickford of Portage. She was born in Allegan on June 5, 1936, the daughter of the late Jame A. Johns and Katherine D. (Ingalsbee) Johns. Jackie graduated from Plainwell High School in 1954 and attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, before taking a secretarial position with the Upjohn Company. Jackie was married to Laurence (“Larry”) E. Houghtaling on November 28, 1959, in St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Mendon.
The couple became parents with the birth of their daughter in December of 1960 and their son in February 1962. In addition to raising a family, Jackie continued her career as an administrative assistant at Michigan State University in the Chemistry Department when the young family moved to Okemos, MI in the late 1960s. She continued to distinguish herself in the business world working for the Union Carbide Corporation in New York and eventually serving as an executive assistant to the board of directors at the company’s world headquarters in Danbury, Connecticut. When the couple moved to Bethesda, MD in the mid-1980s, Jackie accepted a position with the Marriott Corporation and was part of the team that developed the company’s Fairfield Inn hotel franchise. Jackie and Larry lived up and down the East Coast for 33 years before returning to Michigan in 2001.
Jackie was a member of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church and its Council of Catholic Women (locally known as the HALOS). Jackie was a voracious reader of mysteries, spy thrillers, and fiction of all genres. She also loved traveling, going to the movies, and eating out with friends. She was also the chief caretaker and cat snuggler when her home was transformed into the “Kitty Spa” on those occasions when her children needed a pet sitter. Most of all, Jackie loved time spent with her family and watching her grandchildren grow. She will be forever remembered for her radiant smile, sparkling eyes, and kindness for all.
Jackie is survived by a daughter, Diane (Chris) Capalbo of Portage; a son, David (Yvonne) Houghtaling of Glen Ellyn, IL; three grandchildren, Christopher Capalbo, Nicholas Houghtaling, and Jacquelin Houghtaling; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband of over 58 years, Larry.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 pm Monday, May 25, 2026, at the Eickhoff Funeral Home in Mendon, and where a Rosary will be recited at 7 pm. The funeral mass will be 11 am Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Vicksburg with Msgr. Thomas Martin officiating. Cremation will follow services with an interment later in St. Edward’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Mendon. Memorials will be directed to either the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association or St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com.
