Norene J. Houglan

Norene June Houglan, 88, a woman of dignity and grace, passed away in Hennis Care Center in Dover on September 3, 2022 following a period of declining health.

Born in Roswell on December 31, 1933, she was the daughter of Italian parents, Louis James and Florentia Flossie (Fensler) Deserio.

Norene graduated from New Philadelphia High School where she was a cheerleader and Rose Queen. After graduation, Norene worked for G. H. Poulsen & Company of Toledo and the former Joy Manufacturing as an executive secretary.

Norene and her former husband, Dr. James Houglan, were married for more than 40 years and were blessed with the birth of their three children, Wendy, Julie, and Bill. Norene took pride in caring for her family and the needs of the home. When her girls were young, Norene helped them tend to their horses. The title and benefits of being “Mimi”, she cherished, too.

Norene studied oil painting under artist, Vernon Beddows. She was a talented painter, leaving many treasures for her family to cherish. Additionally, she loved to play tennis, garden and golf. She was a gifted interior decorator and skilled wallpaper hanger, donating these skills to members of the community. Cooking and entertaining family and friends also brought much joy to Norene.

Norene was very engaged in the Union Hospital Auxiliary TWIGS, and took great pride in coordinating the fundraiser, Hi Fever Follies.

She will be cherished forever by her children, Julie Cornell of New Philadelphia and Bill (Gail) Houglan of Dover; her grandchildren, Erik (Jennifer) Immel, Ali (Akhil Kandhari) Cornell, Dr. Jackie (Caleb Habeck) Cornell, Michael (Preston) Cornell, Andrew Cornell; great-grandchildren, Emerson, Millie, and James Cornell; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Norene was preceded in passing by her daughter, Wendy A. Immel, on April 14, 2000; her sons-in-law, Cris Cornell and Bruce E. Immel; and her sister, Anna Lee Trimmer on February 27, 2022.

Visitation will be held in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover on Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 4 to 6 p.m. A service led by Pastor David Wing will begin at 6 p.m. Inurnment will take place at a later date in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia.

Memorial contributions in Norene’s memory may be directed to Community Hospice, 726 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.