Remembering Signa Judith Irwin Houghteling
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Early Life
Signa Judith Irwin Houghteling, known as Judy, was born on February 13, 1936, in Bay Village, Ohio, a picturesque community along the shores of Lake Erie, near Cleveland. Her unique name, "Signa," is rooted in Viking tradition, translating to "Victory" in the Swedish equivalent of Victoria. Growing up during America's Triumphal Period, from 1945 to 1958, Judy shared an optimistic childhood shaped by a post-war environment that fostered a strong belief in values and community.
Education and Early Career
After graduating from a prominent public high school, Judy pursued a liberal arts education at Connecticut College for Women, where she developed a passion for the arts and crafts. Following her graduation, she moved to San Francisco, embracing artistic ventures and securing her first job as an Easter Bunny at the Stonestown Emporium in 1959, where she found humor and profound experiences in her unconventional role.
In 1963, seeking to broaden her horizons, Judy embarked on an adventurous journey around the world. This formative experience included extensive travels across Europe, where she encountered a myriad of cultures and forged lasting friendships, reaffirming her love for exploration and connection.
Professional Life and Marriages
In 1965, Judy married Norton Townshend Dodge, a specialist in Soviet economics, and together they traveled across the Soviet Union, delivering a groundbreaking statistical survey on women in science and technology.
After their divorce, Judy married Joseph Cannon Houghteling in October 1977. Joe was a respected Bay Area newspaper publisher and a passionate public servant who dedicated his life to the community.
Judy's career path led her to the National Endowment for the Humanities, where, as an original staff member, she helped to establish the State-Based Program, which still funds humanities initiatives across the United States. Her work emphasized adult education and public policy, allowing her to engage with diverse communities while fostering a greater appreciation for the humanities.
Upon returning to San Francisco in 1974, Judy diverted her focus to crafts, becoming a goldsmith and bookbinder. Her passion for traditional craftsmanship flourished as she became deeply involved in the Guild of Book Workers and the Hand Bookbinders of California. Her house on Bay Street often served as a venue for gatherings and workshops for the book passionate. Her invaluable contributions included serving as editor of the Guild’s Journal, chairing events, and planning initiatives that advanced the bookbinding community, for which she received the Laura Young Award for Service in 2012.
Legacy and Later Years
Judy and Joe traveled extensively, sharing many adventures together before Joe's passing in June 2009. Judy moved to the San Francisco Towers, where she remained active in the arts and bookbinding community, forging new connections and contributing to exhibitions and discussions.
Her philanthropic spirit shone through various initiatives, including the Glasgow Presidential Scholarship at Athens State University, in honor of her family legacy, and her role as a sponsor of the California History Center at De Anza College.
Throughout her life, Judy maintained a distinct personality—marked by her petite appetite and particular taste, preferring desserts and white wine over robust dishes. She was known for her sharp wit and loved to host gatherings, fostering conversations over art and craft.
Final Years
Judy remained vibrant in her community, sharing her life with her companion, Richard Reinhardt, journalist, author, and historian of California, with whom she travelled frequently to Europe and attended continuing studies courses at Oxford University.
She passed away on November 7, 2025, at the age of 89. Her rich life—marked by exploration, creativity, and commitment to craftsmanship—left an indelible impact on those who knew her. As a beloved figure in the bookbinding community and beyond, Judy Houghteling's legacy continues to inspire future generations to embrace art and the stories it tells.