1932 - 2026
She was the beloved wife of the late Robert M. Houskeeper, who passed away in 2020. Their enduring love story began at a USO dance while Bob was stationed at Stewart Air Force Base in Newburgh, New York. Meg cherished him deeply throughout their 64-year marriage and in the years following his passing.
Born in Ridgewood, New Jersey, Meg was the daughter of the late George and Mary (Hastings) Gordon. She was raised in Newburgh, New York, in a close-knit multigenerational household by her mother, grandparents James and Isabella Hastings, and her Uncle Charlie, who lived nearby. She shared a particularly special bond with her grandfather, James.
Growing up during the Depression, Meg’s family rented rooms in their home, an experience that sparked her lifelong curiosity about people and their stories. She loved conversation and had a remarkable ability to connect with anyone she met.
Meg graduated at the top of her class from Mount Saint Mary Academy and later earned her degree in Library Science from SUNY Geneseo. She worked as a school librarian in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, before spending many years at Smith and Charter Oak Elementary Schools in West Hartford. There, she formed lasting friendships that endured throughout her life.
An avid reader, Meg especially enjoyed espionage novels and historical biographies. She was deeply passionate about genealogy and family history, serving proudly as the family historian and as a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She dedicated herself to preserving family stories and passing them down to future generations.
Meg also loved tending her “English gardens,” delighting in their intentionally wild and colorful blooms each spring. She was a gifted knitter who lovingly created blankets, hats, sweaters, and handmade clothing for family members over the years.
Though an only child, Meg leaves behind a large and loving family. She is survived by her children: Marshall Houskeeper and his wife Jean of Upton; James Houskeeper and his wife Lynn of Bolton; Mary Rivera and her husband German of Upton; and her former son-in-law Michael Donelan of Newport, Tennessee.
She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Rebecca Flaeter and her husband Joe, Sarah Leacu, Ashley Donelan and her wife Jill, Bridgette Donelan, Patrick Donelan, Katie Houskeeper, Susie Houskeeper, and Hope Rivera; along with six great-grandchildren: Benjamin, Abby, and William Flaeter; George and Julia Leacu; and Mary Mae Donelan.
Meg was predeceased by two great-grandchildren, Alexander and Bradley Leacu.
She will be remembered for her warmth, intelligence, curiosity, creativity, and unwavering devotion to her family.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 19, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Pickering & Son Upton Funeral Home, 45 Main Street, Upton.
A graveside service will follow at 11:30 AM at Lakeview Cemetery, North Main Street, Upton.
Donations in Meg’s memory may be made to the West Hartford Public Library Foundation (www.westhartfordlibrary.org/library-foundation).
