Obituary of Kathleen W. Hughes

Kathleen (Ward) Hughes, 86, formerly of Elmira, NY and residing in Penfield, NY for the last 13 years of her life, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2021 after suffering a stroke on June 21. Kay was born in Corning, NY on May 22, 1935 to James and Katherine Ward. She attended St. Vincent's Grammar School, and graduated from Northside High School in 1953. During her time there, she developed lifelong friendships with classmates, which she treasured the rest of her years. She then attended Cortland State College and later in life balanced working, earning her Associates Degree from Elmira College, and raising four children. Kay worked for many years at the NY Telephone Company, both before marriage and after returning to the workforce. Most important to Kay was her family. Her generosity knew no bounds and she channeled it into many endeavors. She loved people, and all who saw the sparkle in her eyes loved her too. Friends experienced her love through her talents in sewing, knitting, and baking. Any passerby would take delight in her beautiful garden. Her children experienced her love through the atmosphere of creativity she nurtured at home. She supported their interests and encouraged them to follow freely wherever those interests led. She achieved all of this while living with the challenges of bipolar disorder. Kay was a long-time parishioner of St. Patrick's Church and supported her childrens' spirituality. She believed that there is life after death and her love will live on in the hearts and lives of her loved ones. Kathleen is predeceased by her parents James and Katherine (Cowley) Ward; brother James; and former husband, Charles Hughes, Jr. (1997). She is survived by her four children: Charles "Chip" Hughes of Jackson, MO; Julianne Hughes (Brian Bertino) of Berkeley, CA; Elizabeth Boice of Rochester, NY; and Jennifer Hughes of Berkeley, CA; grandchildren: Sierra and Gabe Hughes; Owen and Zachary Boice; sister and brother-in-law Mary Claire and Charles Adams of Glen Allen, VA; treasured niece and nephews: Leslie Michaud with daughter Camille, Geoffrey and Nathaniel Adams and their families. Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W Water Street, Elmira, on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Kay on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, 1:00 p.m., St. Patrick's Church, 604 Park Place, Elmira. Masks are suggested. A livestream of the Mass will be available through the Facebook page for Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish (https://www.facebook.com/ElmiraCatholic). Kay's family would like to thank the staff at Grande Vie and Atria Assisted Living for their kindness and care in her later years, Dr. Adrian Liebovici and his team, and the staff on the palliative care unit of Strong Memorial Hospital. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a mental health organization in your community or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and help destigmatize mental illness.