Obituary – Dorothy Houck
Dorothy Houck closed the book on a long and wonderful life on March 18, 2025. She was born on July 23, 1928, at the Easton Hospital to Elma Beck Reichard and John Frutchey, and was a 1945 graduate of the Bangor High School and a 1949 graduate of the Lankenau School of Nursing.
Dorothy was married for 55 years to the love of her life, Paul W. Houck, who predeceased her. She is survived by three daughters, Nan Geise (Joseph), Sue Barker (Philip), and Beth Riccardo (Richard), as well as seven grandchildren, Joseph P. Geise, Lindsey Barker, Erin Lundy, Brad Barker, Wilson Riccardo, George Riccardo, and James Riccardo. She is also survived by eight great grandchildren, Ryan, Catherine, Colin, and Gwendolyn Geise; Lily and Madison Dolgin; Penelope Riccardo, and Sadie Lundy.
A nurse for many years, Dorothy participated as a volunteer in the Red Cross blood drives and was a member of the Covenant United Methodist Church. She was devoted to her family, was a passionate gardener, a gourmet cook known especially for her pies, and an incredibly sharp card player who would never let anyone win for the sake of it. She also loved to travel, having read I Married Adventure in the 5th grade, which inspired her desire to see the world.
Anyone who knew Dorothy knew that she lived her life authentically, on her own dignified terms, and never settled for anything less than what she thought was best. She inspired the people around her to aspire to a higher standard, and not to compromise or take shortcuts when that would imperil the quality of the outcome. She will be greatly missed by her family and her friends.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family through Gedon Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, LLC, 121 W. Main St., Lock Haven.
Online thoughts and memories can be made at the Gedon Funeral Homes Facebook Page and www.GedonFuneralHomes.com
