Marie Kachmar Houghton

Marie Kachmar Houghton passed away on August 11, 2026 at the age of 99. Marie was born to Leah (Klingler) and Paul Baker on January 17th, 1927. The family, including nine siblings, lived primarily in Wayne County, Ohio. Marie contracted polio at a young age and underwent multiple surgeries. She did not allow the experience to define her life, instead she persevered, and certainly would not accept any reference to “Poor Marie”.

After high school in Shreve, Marie went to work as a telephone operator in Wooster and attended the College of Wooster. In 1946, Marie married Andrew Kachmar. Together they started a family that would eventually consist of seven. Together they built a house, through their own labor, on Oak Hill Road in Wooster. The family moved to a farm near Overton in 1958. Marie worked beside Andy to create wonderful, rural memories for the children. When Andy died in 1974, Marie, having three children still at home, learned to drive, took night classes and returned to work as a bookkeeper.

In 1982, Marie married Robert Houghton, a retired engineer and family friend. This added five stepchildren to an already large family! Marie and Robert loved visits from the children and many grandchildren. They traveled extensively in the United States and made a memorable trip to England and Wales. Robert passed away in 2014.

Throughout her life Marie was an avid reader and letter writer. Later in life she enjoyed embroidery, rug-hooking, games, puzzles and OSU victories. Her family and friends will remember her for fearlessness in the face of obstacles and, for sometimes (well often), being downright ornery.

Marie was preceded in death by husbands Andrew Kachmar and Robert Houghton, infant daughters Leah and Paula, son-in-law Blake Swartz, siblings Emmabelle Acker (Paul), Evelyn Rudy (Russell), Richard Baker, Donald Baker (Faye), Raymond Baker (Ruth), Joanne Baker, and Robert Baker (Lou).

Marie is survived by sister Marian Baker Sherry and sister-in-law Jean Baker. Surviving children are John Kachmar (Carla), Rebecca Herr (Eric), Joan Swartz, Jeff Kachmar (Betsy), Scott Kachmar, Leora Langdon (Adam), and Suzanne Kachmar. Her stepchildren are George Houghton, Brian Houghton (Debbie), Laura Safford (Jim), Perri Snyder (Roger), and Kerry Michalism (Bill). Grandchildren (15) and great-grandchildren (20) were cherished, and her many nieces and nephews were certainly not forgotten by Aunt Marie. For those too young to have learned firsthand, her lessons for you would be: make no excuses just work hard, care for those around you, and have some fun doing it.

Burial will occur on Monday, August 17 with viewing beginning at 9:30 AM at Roberts Funeral Home followed by a brief graveside service at 11:00 at Sherwood Memorial Gardens adjacent to the funeral home at 7067 Cleveland Road, Wooster, Ohio. Memorial contributions may be sent to People to People Ministries, 454 E Bowman St, Wooster, Ohio.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Marie’s late life goal of living into her 100th year, will be commemorated as she wanted, with a party.