Christine M. Houck

Colonie – Christine M. Houck, 55, passed away in her sleep at home on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Born on January 29, 1969 in Albany, NY, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth Ziegler and Mildred Ryan-Ziegler. She graduated Columbia High School in 1987 while living with her Aunt Linda, Uncle Ray and cousin Tara Laurange. After graduation from high school, she went on to graduate from cosmetology school where she worked at The Orlo Beauty School perfecting hair and nails for all of her clients. Eventually, she switched career paths and began working for New York State in the Department of Tax and Finance. She worked over 20 years for New York State, holding her last role in The Homeland Security Department. She loved working with her colleagues and truly enjoyed going into work each day, always making sure to fill her candy jar with sweets for anyone who passed by her desk to have a treat.

Christine met her husband of 33 years, Mark E. Houck Sr. through her long-time friend, Wendy, who is married to his twin brother. After a quick six-month romance, Christine married Mark on May 18, 1991. They went on to have three children, daughter Jana (who sadly was born still), son Mark Jr, and daughter Amanda. She loved her family fiercely and without any bounds. She would always ensure her family was taken care of and would put herself last to do so. Her children always knew they had a safe place with her and a listening ear when they needed it most. In 2023, Christine became a grandmother to Sebastian and felt a whole new level of joy.

Christine always made sure she was put together with her hair curled and her make up done. There was nothing she enjoyed more than spending time with her husband, children and three dogs (Zeus, Mia and Molly). She also enjoyed attending Valley Cat games with her husband, beach vacation trips with the Houck family, shows at Proctors and The Palace Theatre with her children and Aunt Linda.

Christine is survived by her devoted husband of 33 years Mark Sr.; her children, Mark Jr.; Amanda (Steven) Wutzer; step-daughter, Stephanie (Fernando) Martinez; and grandchildren Natalie Martinez and Sebastian Wutzer. She is also survived by her aunt Linda and uncle Ray Edwards, who helped raise her once she lost her parents; her sister, Grace Alexander and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends who will miss her tremendously. Christine is predeceased by her daughter Jana, whom she has missed deeply all of these years; her parents, Kenneth and Mildred and her grandparents Frank and Mildred Ryan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Fund or to Community Hospice.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 from 4pm-7pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Road Colonie, NY 12205. A prayer service will begin at 7pm at the funeral home. Burial service will take place on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 11am at Our Lady Help of Christian Cemetery. Christine’s final resting place will be right where she would have wanted; next to her mother and her daughter Jana.