Shereen Louise Houle

Shereen was born Shereen Louise Loveridge on June 1, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan. She was the firstborn child to parents Eloise Elizabeth Loveridge and Arnold Ward Loveridge, both deceased. Shereen's siblings were Randall Loveridge and Kyle Loveridge, both of whom are also deceased. Shereen has been a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, wife, friend, and colleague. Shereen had humble beginnings and called Detroit home until moving to Arizona in her early 20's. She brought with her a love for Motown music and a talent for doing the mashed potato dance. Working was a necessary part of life from her young teenage years on and she learned a strong work ethic. Shereen worked many jobs early in life, including a brief stent as a nurse, but eventually found her place at APS. She retired as a Director from APS where she enjoyed a varied and successful career and gained life-long relationships. Shereen was known professionally not only for her strong leadership and intelligence, but also for her approachable demeanor and willingness to listen with intent, respond in fairness, and for her adaptability. Shereen was appreciated as a colleague, but the impact she had as a friend in the lives of those who knew and loved her was treasured. Shereen raised 2 children, Jodi ("Jo") and Matt, while working full-time and being twice married and divorced. She was the source of stability and unconditional love to her daughter and son throughout life. Shereen married her "Stewy" on 10/11/2012 and was blessed the rest of her days with a husband who was a source of stability and unconditional love to her. Shereen's Christian faith has been integral to her life. CCV has been her church home for many years. Creativity and an eye for design have been evident throughout Shereen's life in varied avenues, some of which include painting, cake decorating, crafting, refurbishing furniture, etc, but most significantly interior design. Shereen loved interior design with a passion. After retiring from APS she and Stew started up a small home-staging business which they very much enjoyed more than they profited from. Holidays were important to Shereen, Christmas being her favorite time of year. She was famous for the delicious candy pretzels she made to give away to family, friends, and colleagues each December. Her home at Christmas-time was like walking into a magazine cover. At least 3 Christmas trees were beautifully decorated, gifts were perfectly wrapped with color-coded wrapping paper specific to each grandchild and family member then stacked and held together with elaborate bows and perfectly placed around the tree, homemade goodies were in pretty dishes for easy access on counters and side tables that invited one to come in and have a seat, the coffee was brewed, and Shereen's smile and laughter made her home feel warm and light. As picture perfect as the scene was, Shereen's home was always comfortable, cozy and open to all who entered. When not busy with homebound commitments and holidays, travel and adventure were finally able to be enjoyed on the back of a motorcycle seat and the open road with Stew after retirement. Many states and destination sites were seen and experienced. Shereen particularly loved the white sandy beaches of the East coast. When Shereen was home she enjoyed going to the casino, going shopping, sitting out back and enjoying the view, hearing the jets from Luke Airforce Base fly overhead (she was very patriotic and would say, "That's the sound of freedom flying by."), working on home decor projects, and spending time with family and friends. Shereen's sense of humor, quick wit, can-do/problem-solving attitude, patience, fighting spirit and loyalty were just some of her many positive characteristics, but generosity was perhaps one of her most defining attributes. Shereen gave freely and found joy and purpose in helping people. She wholeheartedly believed she was blessed so that she could extend the blessing to others. She was an extraordinary woman of strength, grace, and kindness. It was our privilege to have known and loved her. Shereen is survived by her beloved Husband, Stewart Craig Houle; Children: Jodi Renee Lackey and Matthew Arnold Figures; Step Children: Jason Houle and Brigitte Kennedy; and 7 Grandchildren.