THOMASTON – Sara Jean (Turner) Houtsma passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2007, at Penobscot Bay Medical Center, Rockport, from pneumonia complications. She was born Oct. 17, 1923, in Burkburnet, Texas, the daughter of Archie and Parrot (Eason) Turner. She graduated from Tyler Texas High School. She moved to New Orleans, where she met her husband, Cornelius Garret “Garry” Houtsma, an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard, and married Jan. 27, 1945. She followed him to his many posts, creating a home for them. They retired to Maine, settling in Thomaston 35 years ago. Sara volunteered at the Penobscot Bay Hospital Gift Shop, with the Coast Guard Women’s Clubs during her husband’s career and Action Line with WBZ-TV in Boston for several years. She enjoyed dancing, big band music, crossword puzzles and did beautiful crewel embroidery. She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Capt. Cornelius Garret “Garry” Houtsma, U.S. Coast Guard retired, of Thomaston; a daughter, Cinda Ann Schulberg of Thomaston; a son, Lars Houtsma of Thomaston; five grandchildren, Kyle Schulberg of Thomaston, Cinda Ann Schulberg of Thomaston, Bethany Schulberg of Thomaston; Gary Houtsma and Mary; many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held 4 p.m. Thursday, March 1, at Hall & Bibber Funeral Home, 78 Main St., Thomaston, with a reception after at the funeral home. The family encourages donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 114 Perimeter Road, Unit G, Nashua, NH 03063. Arrangements are entrusted to Hall & Bibber Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 78 Main St., Thomaston.
SARA JEAN HOUTSMA
