Elizabeth (Betty) Houghton Weinberg died peacefully at her home in Marion, Massachusetts on Christmas morning 2018 at age 96. She was the daughter of the late Amory and Laura Houghton, and the wife of her late husband of 59 years, Sidney James (Jim) Weinberg, Jr. Betty was born October 13, 1922 in Corning, New York and was educated in Switzerland and at the Foxcroft School in Middleburg, VA.
Known for her strong opinions and high standards, she was nonetheless fiercely loyal, completely genuine and filled with a wonderful sense of humor. She was loved by her legions of friends, her children’s friends and the scores of people from all walks of life with whom she worked side by side for decades. Her gregarious personality, sociability, and sense of style were the perfect offset to her beloved husband’s gentle intellectualism and spartan tastes.
A totally engaged participant in everything that she took on, Betty made lasting contributions to many institutions, including Tobey Hospital and the New Bedford Whaling Museum, both in MA, and Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York.
Betty’s life ended in Marion, where her mother’s family have been residents for over 100 years. She knew everyone in the town and was loved for her generosity and energy. She is survived by 2 brothers: Amory Houghton, Jr. and James R. Houghton; by 3 children from her first marriage to the late James B. McCord: Jay McCord, Alan McCord and Laurie Grauer; by 3 children from her marriage to Jim Weinberg: Betsy Smith, Sydney Weinberg and Peter Weinberg; and by 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held in Marion this summer.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the New Bedford Whaling Museum, New Bedford, MA. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.