Rochelle “Shelley” Marie (Santos) (Houghton) Vaughan, 72
Rochelle “Shelley” Marie (Santos) (Houghton) Vaughan, 72, of Wareham, MA, passed away suddenly on October 10, 2025, at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, MA. She was born on October 17, 1952, in Taunton, MA.
A lifelong resident of Onset and Wareham, Rochelle devoted her life to her family and community. She leaves behind four children: Glenn Houghton and his partner Abby Holmes of Wareham, James Houghton and his wife Christine of Onset, Kristy Houghton and her partner Jeremy Wilkinson of Plymouth, and Caitlin Houghton and her partner Travis Piña of Wareham. She was a proud and loving grandmother to many grandchildren and a caring “second mom” to numerous friends and extended family members.
Rochelle was predeceased by her mother Marie Louise Scott, in 1991, then by first husband, Alfred Houghton Sr., in 2001, then her second husband, John Vaughan, in 2016, all three of whom she cared for selflessly throughout their terminal illnesses.
Shelley had a deep love for children and animals, especially her beloved dogs, Holly and Layla, who remain behind to carry her gentle spirit forward. She spent many years as a devoted stay-at-home mother and played an essential behind-the-scenes role in Alfred’s business, Independent Heating Company of Onset.
Deeply involved in her community, Rochelle volunteered with the Wareham School System and served on the PTA while her children attended school. She later worked as a paraprofessional at Wareham Middle School and as a pharmacy and photo technician at Walmart in Wareham, eventually retiring as a cashier. Her kindness, humor, and compassion left an impression on everyone who knew her.
Shelley was known not just for her boundless heart, but also for her legendary love of Coca-Cola, for which she swore could fix just about anything. Her quick wit and easy laugh brightened every room, and her family will forever cherish the joy and humor she brought into their lives.
Rochelle will be remembered for her warmth, strength, and the love she shared so freely with family, friends, and all creatures great and small.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 2:00–7:00 PM at The Eagles Hall, 39 Cohasset Avenue, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532.
In Lieu of flowers, please consider sending a small donation to our family’s GoFundMe @
