HAVERHILL: Claudia M. (Peabody) Houston, 85, died Tuesday evening at Merrimack Valley Hospital. Mrs. Houston was the wife of Carl Houston.

Born in Haverhill May 26, 1922, Mrs. Houston was the daughter of the late Claude A. and Dorothy M. (Cleary) Peabody.

Educated in Haverhill she graduated from Haverhill High School class of 1940. Mrs. Houston was an active member of the First Congregational Church where she was a Deaconess, and member of the Women's Guild. While raising her family she had been a Cub Scout Den Mother at the Walnut Square School. For years she, and her family, enjoyed camping in the White Mountains. Years later she and Carl enjoyed time spent at their trailer at North Beach in Hampton, NH. She enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, and was a member of a local women's bridge club.

Besides her husband of 66 years she is survived by her son Lawrence "Larry" H. Houston and his wife Lynn of Ashby; grandchildren Christine Moriarty and her husband Brian of Stoneham, David Houston and his wife Rhina of Lawrence, Story Vlahos and her husband William of Salem, NH; five great grandchildren; daughter-in-law Carole Houston of Newton, NH. Mrs. Houston was the mother of the late Carleton L. Houston, and the sister of the late Lawrence C. Peabody.

Friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service Tuesday 12:00 noon at Dole, Childs & Shaw Funeral Home, 148 Main Street, Haverhill. Interment in the spring at Maplewood North Parish Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of donor's choice.

Online condolences may be sent to www.dcsfuneralhome.com