Edith J. Houser of Racebrook Rd., Woodbridge, CT died peacefully surrounded by her family after a brief illness on June 28, at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, CT at the age of 100, two weeks from completing 101 years of age of age.Born in Branford, CT on June 16, 1916, Edith moved to East Haven, (Foxen) CT at age six, where she lived until moving to Woodbridge in 1946. She was the widow of Henry W. Houser her husband of 49 years and the daughter of the late Anthony and Ursula Siemenn, also of Branford and East Haven, CT. Edith and Henry were married on August 11, 1944 when Henry had a few days leave while serving as Staff Sergeant under General George S, Patton, Jr. during World War II. Henry passed away in 1993. Edie, as she liked to be called, lived with her family in Woodbridge, CT since 1946, also retaining a home in Edgartown, MA where the family spent summers sailing and enjoying the salt air since 1964. She was a former member of the Woodbridge Club and Milford Yacht Club. A quintessential New Englander, Edith was an elegant, cultured and gracious lady, who read widely and and traveled the world with husband Henry on his frequent international visits as a Commissioner of the American and New York Philatelic Societies. In her earlier years Edith was known for her gracious entertaining of family and friends and her yearly New Year's Eve parties. No one ever turned down an invitation to one of Edith's events. She had a special love for animals and was often seen taking her beloved dogs on long walks. She spent many an afternoon at Collins Beach in Edgartown with her border collie Oreo and her collie chow Misty. In her early work life, her quick mind and business skills earned her a position as an executive and member of the board of directors of Monarch, Inc. in New Haven. She enjoyed many hobbies, was a good duck pin bowler and played a mean game of duplicate bridge. In addition to her husband, Edith was predeceased by a son, Gary H. Houser of Branford, CT, sisters Halina Martin of Meriden, CT, Eleanor Capaldo of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, Regina Sellman of El Paso, TX, brothers Carroll A. Siemenn of Chaparral, New MX, Edwin Siemenn of Bethel CT and is survived by daughter Sally E. Houser of Woodbridge, CT and several nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are invited to attend her funeral service on Friday, July 7 at 11 am at the Hawley Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home at 493 Whitney Ave. in New Haven. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the American Heart Association. For a full obituary and to send condolences, please visit the Hawley Lincoln website at hawleylincolnmemorial.com.