Merry Carol Houchard

Mrs. Merry Carol Houchard was born 25th December, 1939 in Berwyn, Illinois to Lyle J. Filek, DDS & Irene Kirch Filek, died 19th February, 2013 at the age of 73. Merry Carol is survived by her husband of 51 years, Michael H. Houchard, her daughter & son-in-law Christina C. Miller & Allan L. Miller, her grandson Ethan A. Miller and her step-mother Norma Anderson. She graduated from Clearwater High School in Florida, then went on to Wesleyan College and later the University of Florida. She was a member of the Phi Mu Greek society. It was at the University of Florida that she met her husband. Merry Carol and Michael were wed in 1962. They lived in Miami, FL for some time, then came to the Greater Atlanta, Georgia area. They moved to the family farm, in Conyers, GA, in 1970. Merry Carol was very active with purebred dogs. She won many local and national awards with her Great Danes. She also competed with her Vizslas, Papillion, Dalmatians and Canaan Dogs. She was a member and former officer of the Conyers Kennel Club. She was also a member of the Atlanta Kennel Club, Great Dane Club of America, Great Dane Club of the Mid South and the Canaan Dog Club of America. She was a 4-H volunteer for over 30 years. She taught dog care and training to countless 4-H participants in the Rockdale area. She also volunteered, and was a charter member, of the Conyers-Rockdale Humane Society. Merry Carol served on the original local development committee for the Georgia International Horse Park. In more recent years she served on the board of Rockdale County Animal Control. Her love of travel allowed her to see most of the United States. She and her husband took many trips in their RV. She also visited England and Scotland. As an English major in college her love of reading was instilled on her family. She also enjoyed needle craft, jigsaw puzzles and gourmet cooking. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: Morris Animal Foundation, 10200 East Girard Ave, Suite B430, Denver, CO 80231, www.morrisanimalfoundation.org. Her memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 2, 2013 in the Chapel of Wheeler Funeral Home. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:00 to 2:00 PM on Saturday March 2, 2013.

Merry Carol Houchard

December 25, 1939 - February 19, 2013