Sine L. Hough born on Nov. 30, 1956 in Derby, England, passed away peacefully at home in Clinton on Jan. 24, 2018 surrounded by her family. She finally succumbed to gastric cancer after a courageous 17-month battle. Her motto through the fight was PEAS – prayer, exercise, attitude and SwissJust products, which she loved to use.

At 15, Sine moved to France just outside Geneva. While there she attended College du Leman International School and learned French among other things. In 1975, she came to the U.S. and earned a bachelors degree in French at Macalester College and then went on to the University of Illinois to earn a masters degree in French and a masters and PhD in computer-based education.

Upon graduation in 1986, she went to work for the Army Corps of Engineers, Civil Engineering Research Lab eventually working in strategic planning and business process engineering. In that year Sine also became a U.S. Citizen.

Before meeting Andrew Hough her husband, she was married and divorced, and also gave birth to two wonderful children, Sean and Maya, whom she deeply loved and cared for. Andy and Sine were married in 1998 and in 1999, Andy adopted Sean and Maya and the family moved to Whidbey Island.

Sine quickly became engaged in the community, serving with Good Cheer, Christian Women’s Club, Bible studies and prayer groups, becoming an instructor at the Island Athletic Club, a master gardener, active in the Greenbank Garden Club, serving on the church council, helping with the Whidbey Island Garden tour and had five home businesses, though not at the same time. Sine loved nature, her dogs, feeding the birds and taking walks in the woods. She had a strong servant’s heart for people around her, an active mind, boundless energy, a passion for gardening and dearly loved her family always seeking their benefit.

She is survived by her mother Audrey, husband Andy, children Sean and Maya, brother Les, sister Fiona and extended family in England and the U.S. Much loved by her family and friends, she will be long remembered and dearly missed.

A memorial service was held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Feb. 2. In lieu of flowers a contribution can be made to Providence Cancer Services Fund or the Cancer Patient Assistance Fund www.cancerpartnership.org/Survivor-Resources#tabs-66t, Good Cheer, PO Box 144, Langley, WA 98236; WAIF www.waifanimals.org or PO Box 1108 Coupeville, WA 98239; or the Greenbank Garden Club.