Br. Donald P. Houde CSV

He was born Oct. 5, 1929 in Bourbonnais, the son of Albert and Claire (Mercer) Houde. He was preceded in death by his parents, along with his sisters, Emily Malooly and Marilyn Houde. He is survived by his brother Adrien (Bud) Houde, his sister Marlene Thompson, his niece Cathy Bazzoni and his nephews Robert and Philip Grant.

Br. Houde pronounced his first vows on Feb. 2, 1952 in Arlington Heights and final vows on Feb. 2, 1955. He graduated from St. Patrick High School in 1947 in Kankakee. He attended undergraduate classes at Ray Vogue School of Interior Design and the Art Institute in Chicago, along with St. Ambrose College in Davenport, IA, before earning a B.A. and M.A. in English from DePaul University.

He began his ministry by serving as Secretary to the Provincial from 1953-1958 before he embarked on a 40-year career in education. Among his assignments were teaching at the former Spalding Institute in Peoria, Ampleforth College in York, England and Bishop Griffin High School in Springfield.

Br. Houde served as principal of Alleman High School in Rock Island and Spalding Institute in Peoria before leading Saint Viator High School from 1972-1979. During those years, Br. Houde oversaw the development of the “Schools with a School” model in which four programs were created based on individual learning styles.

Br. Houde then brought his creative vision for education to the Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Catholic Schools, serving as Director of Curriculum and Administrative Affairs from 1979-1998.

In retirement, Br. Houde volunteered at St. Josephat Parish in Chicago, before moving to the Viatorian Province Center in 2012.

Visitation for Br. Houde will take place at 10 a.m. Oct. 5 before an 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial, both at the Viatorian Province Center, 1212 E. Euclid Ave. in Arlington Heights. Interment will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Hillside. Those planning to attend must be vaccinated and wear a mask to protect the senior Viatorian residents. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Clerics of St. Viator appreciated.