- Details
- Category: Past Issues
By Ron P. Coderre
The town of Thompson lost one of its most cherished young citizens with the passing of Eva Marie Houle.
She died on Sept. 13 at the too young age of 43 at her mother Shirley’s home surrounded by the family she loved.
A spirited and courageous athlete on the court and field when she led the Tourtellotte Tiger women in basketball, soccer and softball, Eva carried those qualities with her as she battled cancer during the final 11 years of her life.
Memories of her days as a high school athlete recall a pretty young lady giving 100 percent every game. Her loyalty to her teammates and coaches made her the catalyst who led her teams to victories and championships.
Her school and community remembered her for all she meant to everyone by inducting her into the Tourtellotte Memorial High School Athletic Hall of Fame in its very first class in 2010.
In the past two years Eva and I met twice, once at a basketball game on the campus of Marianapolis Prep and on the other occasion in downtown Putnam. Each occasion was a flashback to the mid-‘80s when we covered her teams and her athletic exploits for the local sports pages. Flashing her ever-present smile made everyone in her presence melt. There was a special magic in that smile.
The look depicted a determined individual with a will to win and overcome the biggest opponent she ever faced in life. It was characteristic of a mature woman who learned many of life’s lessons as a young athlete.
Eva Houle has played her final game. In life as in athletics, she went out a winner with her head held high. Family, former teammates, co-workers and friends will always remember her as a battler – right to the final buzzer.
God speed good and faithful servant, Eva Houle. Memories of your smile and winning spirit will be with your acquaintances forever.